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APHA appoints Eville & Jones to run bovine TB vaccine field trials
The vaccine trials are one of a number of measures to eradicate bTB in England by 2038.
Trials will be conducted over four years on behalf of Defra and the Welsh and Scottish governments. 

Clinical research organisation Eville & Jones has been appointed by the APHA to run field trials of the bovine tuberculosis (TB) cattle vaccine (CattleBCG) and companion DIVA (Detecting Infected amongst Vaccinated Animals) skin test.

In July, Bovine TB (bTB) cattle vaccination trials were given the go-ahead in England and Wales in a bid to develop a cattle vaccine by 2025. The vaccine trials follow 20 years of research by government scientists and will be conducted over the next four years on behalf of Defra and the Welsh and Scottish governments.

A statement from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) reads: 'Following an open competition, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has awarded a contract to Eville & Jones, to run veterinary field trials of CattleBCG vaccine and the companion DIVA (Detecting Infected amongst Vaccinated Animals) skin test.

'Eville & Jones have brought together an experienced team to deliver the project. APHA will now start to work with Eville & Jones and the project team to confirm timelines and identify suitable herds for the field trials scheduled to start next year.

'The field trials will be conducted on behalf of Defra, the Welsh Government and the Scottish Government, following more than 20 years of ground-breaking research into bovine TB vaccines and diagnostic tests.

'Further information about the next stages of the field trials will be communicated in due course.'

The vaccine trials are one of several measures to eradicate bTB in England by 2038. Other measures include plans to phase out intensive badger culling in England, improve the cattle testing regime and vaccinate more badgers against the disease.

Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “Bovine TB is a slow-moving and insidious disease which can cause considerable trauma for farmers as they suffer the loss of highly prized animals and valued herds.

“This scientific breakthrough is a major step forwards in our battle to see the disease eradicated from this country. As wider preventative measures like cattle vaccines are introduced, we will accelerate other elements of our strategy and start to phase out badger culling in England, as no one wants to continue the cull of a protected species indefinitely.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.