Next Phase of Field Trials Launched
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has announced the start of Phase 3 field trials for a bovine tuberculosis (bTB) cattle vaccine and its companion DIVA skin test, marking a key step toward eradicating the disease in England and Wales.
Impact of Bovine TB
Bovine TB remains a major challenge for global agriculture, costing England approximately £100 million annually, with an additional £50 million in losses to the farming industry. In 2023/24, over 60,000 cattle were culled in England and Wales to control the disease’s spread.
Potential of CattleBCG Vaccine
The CattleBCG vaccine could protect individual animals and reduce disease transmission within and between herds, offering a powerful tool in the fight against bTB. The companion DIVA (Detect Infected among Vaccinated Animals) skin test ensures accurate detection of infected cattle in vaccinated herds.
Details of Phase 3 Trials
Conducted on commercial farms in the Low-Risk Area of England and the Low TB Area of Wales, Phase 3 involves at least 10 farms and 750 animals, all receiving the CattleBCG vaccine and DIVA skin test. The trials, set to conclude in 2026, aim to gather data on the test’s performance and optimize its deployment to support TB eradication by 2038.
Scientific and Industry Collaboration
Dr. Camille Szmaragd Harrison, APHA’s lead scientist for TB, emphasized the success of Phases 1 and 2, which confirmed the safety of both the vaccine and the DIVA skin test. She highlighted the critical role of farmers, with hundreds expressing interest in participating. The trials’ progress relies on this strong collaboration between scientists, veterinarians, and the farming community.
Statements from Veterinary Leaders
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss praised the UK’s leadership in developing TB cattle vaccines, crediting APHA scientists and participating farmers. She noted that a successful Phase 3 could bring the UK closer to a deployable vaccine, complementing other measures to combat bTB globally.
Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Richard Irvine, welcomed the inclusion of a Welsh farm in Phase 3, aligning with Wales’ goal of a TB-free national herd by 2041.
Previous Phases and Next Steps
Since July 2021, Phases 1 and 2 involved 1,100 cattle across 13 herds, confirming the safety and performance of the DIVA skin test in unvaccinated and vaccinated animals. Phase 3 will finalize field trial data, supporting applications for GB Marketing Authorisations for the vaccine and test, potentially enabling deployment in the coming years.
Future Outlook
A deployable CattleBCG vaccine and DIVA skin test could save thousands of cattle annually, reducing the need for culling. The UK government aims to eradicate TB by 2038, with these trials representing a significant milestone. Further details are available on the TB Hub.
Keyword: Bovine TB Vaccine
Meta Description: The Animal and Plant Health Agency has launched Phase 3 of field trials for a bovine TB cattle vaccine and companion DIVA skin test across England and Wales, aiming to support TB eradication strategies by 2038.