The National Farmers Union (NFU) said badger culling had been effective in controlling transmissions, together with other measures such as cattle testing and movement control.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said a decision to end wildlife control when effective cattle vaccination and testing were not expected to be available until 2030 left “gaping holes” in TB control policies.
He said: “There needs to be much greater urgency, attention and investment given to TB eradication. We still believe a comprehensive approach is the best way to eradicate this terrible disease.”
Defra said the most recent data showed 5% of tested badger carcasses were positive for TB in 2024.
It said cattle testing and surveillance had always been “the foundation” of its strategy and a new plan to control TB was expected to be announced soon.
“Bovine TB remains one of the most difficult and persistent animal health challenges, causing devastation for farmers and rural communities,” a Defra spokesperson said.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust said bovine TB took a “horrendous toll emotionally and financially” on farmers and they were “very keen” to see the government develop a vaccine for cattle.
“We share a lot of sympathy and empathy with the farmers who are affected,” Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s chief executive Steve Trotter said.
He added wildlife organisations would be open to working with Defra on a scheme to vaccinate badgers.