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bTB cattle vaccine unlikely until 2023
Cattle vaccine at least ten years away, says EC

The European Commission (EC) has told Defra that a cattle vaccine for bovine TB (bTB) is unlikely to be made commercially available until 2023.

Writing to Defra secretary Owen Paterson, EU health commissioner Tonio Borg said a cattle vaccination against bTB is "explicitly forbidden," according to EU legislation on disease control. The ban, he said is due to the fact that vaccination interferes with the TB skin test. This means that vaccinated animals who become infected cannot be distinguished from uninfected vaccinated animals. "This would jeopardise current bTB control and eradication policy," he said.

According to Mr Borg, "many knowledge gaps" exist regarding the performance of the the live BCG vaccine, which is currently the only available candidate. He said a recent vaccination workshop in Cardiff indicated a lack of knowledge on the safety of the vaccine, its conditions for use and the suitability of a DIVA test to distinguish between infected and uninfected vaccinated animals.

Mr Borg continued to say that the "fundamental scientific information" required to change EU policy on cattle vaccination, accompanied by a DIVA test was not yet available. Before a vaccine can be made commercially available, he added, further study is required to address food safety issues, such as the shedding of vaccine strain in milk. There are human health concerns as BCG is currently the only vaccine available for humans. It is possible, Mr Borg said, that its use in cattle could lead to BCG-resistant strains of bTB that may also affect humans.

He outlined in his letter a "tentative timeline for bTB vaccination of cattle in the UK," which suggests possible changes to EU legislation is at least ten years away.

Mr Paterson said Mr Borg's letter "recognises that we are on course to deploy a vaccine. The legal and scientific process could take up to 10 years. In the meantime we will continue to use all the tools at our disposal."

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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.