Resources set aside to eradicate TB in cattle should be diverted to developing an effective vaccine, vets told a Parliamentary group of MPs.
The British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS), a group of around 450 veterinary surgeons with an interest in exotic animals and indigenous wildlife, does not believe culling badgers will control the disease.
In a report to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) select committee, the society has proposed a coordinated vaccination policy, the slaughter of TB-infected cattle, improved bio-security, along with "surveillance at all levels in the farming industry".
"We do not feel that humane badger culling will play a meaningful nor useful part in the control of this disease," the report said."
The vets claim the BCG virus can be effective in cattle and badgers, though they recognise an oral dose is required for the wild animals.
They say criticism that the vaccine is useless in infected animals and does not offer complete protection should not prevent its use.
However, a test to distinguish BCG-vaccinated cattle from those with bTB must also be developed, the study said.
A badger vaccination trial is now underway in Wales.