Zoo begins vaccination programme

PAIGNTON Zoo is vaccinating wild badgers as part of a plan to defeat TB, which was found at the zoo last year.

Vets are busy testing numerous exotic mammal species that are susceptible to TB.

A lion died at the zoo last year after contracting TB and a herd of antelope had to be put down.

Paignton Zoo spokesman Phil Knowling said: “We want to protect the wild badgers as well as the zoo’s exotic species. We had to put our name on a waiting list for vaccine – last year there was a worldwide shortage. We’ve acquired specialist equipment, done the training and obtained a license to trap and inject wild badgers.

“We will have to do this for a number of years to build up the immunity of the badger group.”