A unique dataset of immunological and bacteriological test results from experimental infection of European badgers (Meles meles) with Mycobacterium bovis.

In the United Kingdom (UK) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI), European badgers (Meles meles) are recognised as a reservoir host of Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), which they can transmit to cattle. Badgers are also suspected to contribute to the maintenance of Mycobacterium bovis in other European countries, including Spain and France. Therefore, badger vaccination can be used as a tool for the prevention and control of M. bovis infection in cattle. We present individual-level immunological and bacteriological data collected between 2002 and 2020 from 374 individual captive badgers from the UK, ROI and Spain. The data were generated through standardised experimental protocols developed for badgers and optimised in the ROI (experimental challenge protocol) and at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA, UK) (immunological protocols). The analysis aimed to measure antigen-specific T-cell responses and antibody responses in BCG vaccinated and non-vaccinated badgers before and after experimental infection (challenge) with live bacteria M. bovis. The data were generated from individual badgers repeatedly sampled between seven and 16 times every two-to-three weeks. The data are blood-based immunological assays and bacterial culture results of clinical samples. The dataset also includes husbandry information (sex, original social group, housing pen), physiological measurements (temperature and weight), vaccine details (type, formulation, route, dose and strain) and M. bovis challenge parameters (dose concentration).