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APHA awarded $100,000 to develop brucellosis vaccine
Wholesale vaccination of livestock can be a cost-effective way of controlling brucellosis.
Vaccine to deliver lasting benefits to human and animal health

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has been awarded $100,000 in the AgResults’ Brucellosis Vaccine Prize competition. The money will be used to develop a vaccine that is effective for use against small ruminants across the developing world.

The APHA received the funding for Phase 1 of the vaccine development and was awarded based on the agency's scientific soundness, suitable research and appropriate manufacturing capabilities.

Dr John McGiven, who is leading the project, said: “We feel the AgResults competition elevates recognition of the significance of this insidious and debilitating disease. For many years we have been focusing on improved methods for the serodiagnosis of brucellosis and this research revealed to us a route towards a new type of vaccine against brucellosis.

“This competition gave us additional incentive to pull these innovative concepts together in the belief that we can make a big difference to brucellosis control.”

Brucellosis is a devastating disease that leads to infertility, abortions and decreased milk production. It affects many animals, including small ruminants and is endemic in a number of developing countries.

Wholesale vaccination of livestock can be a cost-effective way of controlling the disease and reducing its impact on human and animal health. However, existing vaccines are unsafe for use in pregnant animals, have variable efficacy, and can harm humans.

The Brucellosis Vaccine Prize Competition, managed by AgResults, has three phases and may run for 10 years. $30 million is available to entrants, with three milestone payments at different stages.

Dr McGiven’s team is now working on Phase 2 of the vaccine development, by developing a proof of concept vaccine that meets efficacy and safety requirements. It is hoped the vaccine will deliver lasting benefits to human and animal health.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.