Field trials for a cattle vaccine and new skin test for bovine
tuberculosis (bTB) are set to move to the next phase, the Animal
and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has announced today (February
27th), with interested farmers and veterinarians encouraged to
volunteer and support the delivery of the project.
The next phase of the field trials (Phase 3), similarly to the
previous two phases, will take place on commercial cattle farms
in areas of England and Wales where there is a low incidence of
bTB and are set to be completed in 2026/7.
Defra is working at pace on a revised TB eradication strategy in
England to drive down TB rates to save cattle and farmers'
livelihoods. The new strategy will mark a significant step-change
in approach to tackling this devastating disease and will also
consider a range of further measures, including boosting cattle
testing.
Partnership working is at the forefront of the TB Delivery Plan
in Wales. The Wales TB
Eradication Programme Delivery Plan outlines plans to
eradicate TB in Wales by 2041.The Welsh Government recently
announced a new Bovine TB
Eradication Programme Board for Wales which is the latest
development in reaching the shared goal of a TB-free Wales.
The development of a cattle vaccine against bTB is at the
forefront of global innovative solutions to help eradicate this
disease. If this next phase is successful, this project will take
us one step closer to a vaccine to be used in conjunction with
other measures to tackle this insidious disease which impacts
livestock farmers across the world.
Laboratory studies have indicated that the vaccine and DIVA skin
test are safe and that the test performs well, under controlled
APHA facility environments.
The CattleBCG vaccine can stimulate a protective immune response
in vaccinated cattle. When coupled with the new Detect Infected
amongst Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) skin test, the vaccine
represents a significant advancement in bTB control that can
contribute to further reducing the spread and impact of the
disease in cattle herds.
Previous studies with vaccinated animals demonstrated significant
protection against experimental challenge with high dose of bTB.
As with other vaccines, a range of protection is expected, some
animals will be fully or only partially protected after
vaccination whilst others will remain susceptible to the disease.
Recent international studies investigating the full extent of BCG
protection in natural conditions found a total efficacy of 89%.
Phase 3 will involve gathering further information on the
performance of the candidate companion DIVA skin test. This test
will ensure that bTB infected cattle that are vaccinated will
continue to be detected reliably among the vaccinated and
disease-free animals, something which the currently used
tuberculin test is not able to provide.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss
said:
Bovine tuberculosis has remained one of the most difficult animal
disease challenges to tackle, causing devastation to farmers and
rural communities.
These trials and the active participation of farmers will help us
in ensuring any new vaccine and testing approach is both
effective and practical.
The Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Gavin
Watkins, said:
As we move forward with Phase 3 of this vital research, I would
urge cattle keepers in Wales who have eligible cattle herds to
contact APHA with a view to taking part.
Animal and Plant Health Agency Chief Executive Jenny
Stewart said:
The launch of this next phase of field trials marks a significant
step forward in our aim to develop a viable and effective cattle
TB vaccine.
APHA scientists and field colleagues are at the forefront of
tackling animal and plant disease outbreaks and this new phase
will further our understanding of this disease.
If you have a cattle herd that meets the inclusion criteria and
are interested in taking part, please do contact us to be a part
of this research.
Bovine TB (bTB) is one of the most difficult animal health
challenges that the UK faces today and costs taxpayers in England
around £100 million every year with an estimated further £50
million cost to the industry. Over 60,000 cattle in England and
Wales were slaughtered during 2023/24 to tackle the disease.
If you are interested in taking part in this research project,
and believe you have a cattle herd that meets the inclusion
criteria listed on the and believe you have a cattle herd that
meets the inclusion criteria listed on the TB Hub,
please contact APHA by emailing TB.Advice@apha.gov.uk.
