An investigation of and helminth coinfection in the European badger Meles meles.

We investigated the relationship between the presence of helminth parasites in European badgers, and their tuberculosis (TB) status, culled as part of the bovine TB eradication programme in Ireland. Data on the worm burden or faecal egg or larval count was available for all helminth taxa recorded. Lymph node tissue samples were taken from the badgers and tested for TB.

genomics reveals transmission of infection between cattle and deer in Ireland.

Control of bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by , in the Republic of Ireland costs €84 million each year. Badgers are recognized as being a wildlife source for infection of cattle. Deer are thought to act as spillover hosts for infection; however, population density is recognized as an important driver in shifting their epidemiological role, and deer populations across the country have been increasing in density and range.