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Farmers and vets invited to bTB trials
Commercial cattle farms in England and Wales are invited to take part.
It is the latest phase towards a deployable cattle bTB vaccine.

The Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) has invited veterinary surgeons and farmers to volunteer for field trials of a cattle TB vaccine.

Phase 3 of the project will take place on commercial cattle farms in areas of England and Wales which have a low incidence rate of bTB. It is set to be completed in 2026/2027.

The project is testing the efficacy of the CattleBCG vaccine, which works to stimulate a protective immune response in cattle. Used with a new skin test, Detect Infected amongst Vaccinated Animals (DIVA), APHA says the vaccine is a ‘significant advancement’ in bTB control.

So far in the project, vaccinated animals have shown significant protection against a high dose of bTB.

This phase of the trials is designed to obtain further information about the DIVA skin test. The trial will check that bTB infected cattle that are vaccinated can be detected reliable among vaccinated and disease-free animals.

The tuberculin test, which is currently in use, has been unable to provide this level of data.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has been testing the tools as part of a project to develop a revised TB eradication strategy to tackle TB rates in England.

It is working in partnership with the Welsh government, supporting the Wales TB Eradication Programme Delivery Plan. The plan seeks to eradicate TB in Wales by 2041.

The Welsh government also recently announced its new Bovine TB Eradication Programme Board for Wales.

Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer for the UK, 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.”

Gavin Watkins, deputy chief veterinary officer for Wales, added: “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.”

The inclusion criteria for participating cattle herds can be viewed here. If you meet the criteria, contact APHA at TB.Advice@apha.gov.uk to register interest.

Image © Shutterstock

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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.