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Prize granted to scientist to improve TB vaccines
cows
The research will target bovine TB, and will use the grant to address the ongoing economic impact of the disease.
University of Bath biologist awarded £240,000 grant

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBRSC) has awarded structural biologist, Dr Jean van den Elsen the £240,000 Follow-on Funding award for developing new vaccine technology.

The award is part of a programme that supports researchers in translating their work into the maximum economic and societally beneficial outcomes.

Dr van den Elsen’s research has lead to the discovery that a new protein developed in his lab stimulates an immune response which can protect against pathogens, in particular TB bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Developed in collaboration with researchers at Newcastle University, the protein could potentially be incorporated into a safe and more cost effective single-dose vaccine.

The research will target bovine TB, and will use the grant to address the ongoing economic impact of the disease. Dr van den Elsen said: “Worldwide bovine tuberculosis can cause severe economic losses from livestock deaths, chronic disease and trade restrictions.”

In the last 10 years, controlling bovine TB has cost £500 million in England.  

“We’re aiming to improve a vaccine’s ability to be given on a single dose basis and improve rates of protection, which would vastly reduce vaccination costs and provide increased safety.”

The research technology may extend to addressing other areas, particularly cancer and autoimmune disease.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.