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Farmers and vets invited to bTB trials
Commercial cattle farms in England and Wales are invited to take part.
It is the latest phase towards a deployable cattle bTB vaccine.

The Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) has invited veterinary surgeons and farmers to volunteer for field trials of a cattle TB vaccine.

Phase 3 of the project will take place on commercial cattle farms in areas of England and Wales which have a low incidence rate of bTB. It is set to be completed in 2026/2027.

The project is testing the efficacy of the CattleBCG vaccine, which works to stimulate a protective immune response in cattle. Used with a new skin test, Detect Infected amongst Vaccinated Animals (DIVA), APHA says the vaccine is a ‘significant advancement’ in bTB control.

So far in the project, vaccinated animals have shown significant protection against a high dose of bTB.

This phase of the trials is designed to obtain further information about the DIVA skin test. The trial will check that bTB infected cattle that are vaccinated can be detected reliable among vaccinated and disease-free animals.

The tuberculin test, which is currently in use, has been unable to provide this level of data.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has been testing the tools as part of a project to develop a revised TB eradication strategy to tackle TB rates in England.

It is working in partnership with the Welsh government, supporting the Wales TB Eradication Programme Delivery Plan. The plan seeks to eradicate TB in Wales by 2041.

The Welsh government also recently announced its new Bovine TB Eradication Programme Board for Wales.

Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer for the UK, said: “Bovine tuberculosis has remained one of the most difficult animal disease challenges to tackle, causing devastation to farmers and rural communities.
 
“These trials and the active participation of farmers will help us in ensuring any new vaccine and testing approach is both effective and practical.”

Gavin Watkins, deputy chief veterinary officer for Wales, added: “As we move forward with Phase 3 of this vital research, I would urge cattle keepers in Wales who have eligible cattle herds to contact APHA with a view to taking part.”

The inclusion criteria for participating cattle herds can be viewed here. If you meet the criteria, contact APHA at TB.Advice@apha.gov.uk to register interest.

Image © Shutterstock

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RCVS renewal fees increase by four per cent

News Story 1
 The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has announced a four per cent increase to its annual renewal fees.

RCVS treasurer Tshidi Gardiner said that the council had tried to keep the fees to a minimum, while increasing the fees in line with inflation. It is a two per cent lower increase than in 2024.

Fee notices will be sent to veterinary surgeons within the first two weeks of March, who will have until 1 April to pay for their annual renewal.

Veterinary surgeons who do not pay their fee before 1 May will incur a higher fee of £36. Non-payment by 1 June could mean they are removed from the RCVS register.

The veterinary nurse annual renewal period, taking place in autumn, will see the same percentage increase. 

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News Shorts
Wales licenses Bluetongue vaccines for voluntary use

The Welsh government has approved three Bluetongue vaccines for emergency use in Wales.

From 1 March an online general licence will become available for the vaccines' use. They will then be obtainable on prescription and can be sold by veterinary practices.

After appropriate guidance, livestock keepers will be permitted to administer the vaccines themselves. The vaccines must be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon and detailed vaccination records must be kept for five years.

The decision comes as Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) continues to spread across England. The three vaccines are already licensed for use in England.

Richard Irvine, CVO for Wales, said: "This decision to licence these vaccines was informed by our recent risk assessment indicating that Wales is now at high risk of experiencing an incursion of Bluetongue this year.

"Our primary aim is to keep Bluetongue out of Wales through biosecurity, vigilance and safe sourcing of livestock."