DARWEN MP Jake Berry has welcomed news that scientists have made a breakthrough in developing a vaccine to prevent bovine tuberculosis in cattle.

Mr Berry said scientists had identified a ‘biomarker’ using molecular technology that could make vaccines more efficient, reducing the need to cull badgers to deal with the spread of the disease.

Mr Berry said: “I know that the proposed cull of badgers last year raised strong feelings. Hundreds of local residents emailed me to let me know how they felt about this issue, so I am really pleased to hear this positive news.”

David Williams, chairman of the Badger Trust, which strongly supports vaccination of both cattle and badgers, said: “We welcome this refinement in laboratory technique, part of the progress towards the long-awaited goal of an effective cattle vaccine.”