World-first trials launch for bTB vaccine and skin test

A bovine TB-free farm in Hertfordshire has become the first to trial the safety and accuracy of the DIVA skin test, the Animal and Plant Health Agency has announced.

Should these initial trials prove successful, the study will be expanded to more farms in England and Wales as part of its second phase, to test both the Cattle BCG vaccine and DIVA skin test together.

The APHA awarded a contract to Eville & Jones in December to run clinical field trials in cattle, as a result of over 20 years of ground-breaking research at the agency.

This aims to generate sufficient evidence to support a Market Authorisation (MA) application to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate to use both products in the UK.

If successful, the UK is aiming to roll out the vaccine by 2025.

The skin test also represents a major breakthrough as it would allow vets to identify cattle that have been vaccinated and those that are infected – something that has not previously been possible.

In a joint statement the chief veterinary officers from England, Scotland and Wales said: “Bovine tuberculosis represents one of the most difficult animal disease challenges we face today. However, the start of these ground-breaking field trials will be welcome news for many farmers who have been greatly impacted by this disease and represents an important step forward in our efforts to deploy a working cattle vaccine by 2025.

“If successful, the world-leading project could lead to the first ever deployment of a cattle bTB vaccine and DIVA skin test and will be instrumental in turning the tide against this terrible disease which impacts many countries around the world.”