Trials of a cattle vaccine and skin test for bovine tuberculosis, which could end the slaughter of thousands of animals in an attempt to combat the disease, have taken a step forward.
It is hoped that the combination of a CattleBCG vaccine and a skin test called Diva, which detects infection in vaccinated animals, could be used in the next few years and help save tens of thousands of cattle.
Ongoing field trials of the combination are now entering a new phase to assess its safety and performance, a step described as a “significant milestone” by the UK Animal and Plant Health Authority (Apha).
Scientists say if the second phase is successful, they will be closer to being able to vaccinate cattle against the endemic disease.
These field trials will evaluate the safety of the CattleBCG vaccine and the safety and performance of the Diva skin test in vaccinated cattle.
The Chief Veterinary Officers of England, Scotland and Wales have described bovine TB as “one of the most difficult animal disease challenges facing the world today”.
The first trials started 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 tests were completed in May 2022 and the analysis of the results is still ongoing.
Laboratory studies so far have shown that the vaccine and the Diva skin test are safe and the test works well in controlled environments at Apha facilities.
The new phase is expected to include at least five farms with 600 animals, of which 300 will be vaccinated with CattleBCG while the rest will receive a placebo.
dr Phil Hogarth, Apha’s Principal TB Scientist, said: “I am pleased that we have entered the next phase of field trials for a bovine vaccine and the Diva skin test for bovine tuberculosis.
“This next step represents a significant milestone that builds on many years of research, and Apha will continue to be science-led and work tirelessly in the fight to eradicate this disease.”
In a joint statement, the Chief Veterinary Officers from England, Scotland and Wales said: “Bovine TB is one of the most difficult animal disease challenges facing the world today.
“We are making significant progress in developing an additional tool to eradicate this disease with the new bovine vaccine and Diva skin test – and are very grateful to the veterinarians and farmers involved for their efforts in making this work possible on the ground.
“If this next phase is successful, this project will bring us one step closer to a vaccine that can be used in conjunction with other measures to combat this insidious disease affecting ranchers around the world.”
Apha will use information from the studies to support offers for marketing approvals and international recognition.
This will help save thousands of cattle each year that would have been culled to prevent the spread of disease, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
