Badgers are omnivores and eat a vast and varied range of foods, including fruit, cereals, larger insects and small mammals. Mainly foragers rather than hunters, badgers are opportunistic and will readily visit farm buildings if there is a food source available to them.
Infected badgers may excrete M. bovis in sputum, urine, faeces and discharges from wounds. Transmission to cattle may occur via direct contact with badgers or indirect contact with material contaminated by badger excretions. Badger visits to farm buildings can be frequent, especially to feed stores. Even if you do not see them, they may still occur.
Get to know the location of badger activity on your whole farm as it may give an indication of whether or not badgers are accessing your buildings. See our factsheet on identifying badger activity for help on spotting the signs. Badgers can occasionally move into farm buildings. Be particularly vigilant for signs of activity in hay or straw barns during cold spells.