Updated bovine TB-free strategy published
A cattle vaccine could be deployed by 2030.
A co-design steering group has published an updated bovine TB-free strategy, which aims to rid England of the disease by 2038.
The strategy, developed with input from over 100 stakeholders, marks the first update to England’s bovine TB strategy in 12 years.
It highlights plans to tackle the risks of potential hidden TB infections, which could allow the disease to spread within and between herds. The group agreed that such infections should be managed by complementing skin testing with more sensitive tests and private, ancillary testing.
Cattle vaccination also features as an element of the new strategy. The group is working with farmers to ascertain how it would be utilised to block TB transmission between cattle.
The strategy sets out an ambition to deploy a cattle vaccine and DIVA (Detect Infected Among Vaccinated Animals) test by 2030.
The full proposal includes almost 40 recommendations to tackle bovine TB. It will largely focus on spread among cattle, with action implemented beyond cattle where necessary.
It will also strengthen local leadership and delivery, with farmers and veterinary surgeons making decisions locally. They are encouraged to utilise TB data to make decisions for prevention and innovation.
The British Cattle Veterinary Association said: “The strategy rightly places cattle disease control at its core while acknowledging the importance of practical delivery, farmer wellbeing and veterinary expertise. BCVA particularly welcomes the pledge to roll-out cattle vaccination by 2030 and the emphasis on collaboration between farmers and private vets and APHA, giving veterinary teams the tools and flexibility needed to support informed, proactive herd health decisions.”
Meanwhile, the BVA said: “The strategy reflects the importance of collaborative, evidence-led approaches to tackling bovine TB and aligns closely with BVA policy priorities. BVA supports the continued commitment to a comprehensive eradication strategy that is practical, science-based and responsive to the needs of farmers, vets and rural communities.”
The strategy has been developed by a co-design steering group of the Bovine TB Partnership for England. This included APHA, Defra, BVA, BCVA and the NFU.
The full strategy can be found here.
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