Bovine TB vaccine tests expand to farms

TRIALS of a cattle vaccine and a skin test for bovine tuberculosis which could end the slaughter of thousands of animals in trying to tackle the disease have moved a step forward.

It is hoped that the combination of a Cattlebcg vaccine and a skin test called Diva, which stands for detecting infected among vaccinated animals, could be used in the next few years and help to save tens of thousands of cattle.

Ongoing field trials of the combination are now moving into a new phase to assess its safety and performance, a move described by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (Apha) as “a significant milestone”.

Scientists say that if the second phase is successful, they will be closer to being able to vaccinate cattle against the endemic disease.

These field trials will look at the safety of the Cattlebcg vaccine and the safety and performance of the Diva skin test in vaccinated cattle.

More than 38,000 cattle in England and Wales were slaughtered in 2021 to tackle the disease, in measures costing taxpayers £100million.

The first trials began in July 2021 and involved 524 animals on 10 farms in England. They focused on the safety and performance of the Diva skin test in unvaccinated animals.

The first trials were completed in May 2022 and analysis of the results is still being carried out.

Laboratory studies have so far indicated that the vaccine and Diva skin test are safe and the test performs well under controlled Apha facility environments.

The new phase is set to involve at least five farms with 600 animals, 300 of which will be vaccinated with Cattlebcg while the rest will receive a placebo.

Dr Phil Hogarth, Apha’s lead scientist for TB, said: “I am pleased that we have progressed to the next phase of the field trials.

“This represents a significant milestone, building upon many years of research, and Apha will continue to be led by science, and work tirelessly in the fight to eradicate this disease.”