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How Will Bovine TB be Eradicated?

It is accepted that Bovine TB will not be eradicated through the use of one measure alone – the industry needs to use a range of tools from those available.

Vaccines are one of the potential tools and a TB Vaccines Programme has been set up within Defra to bring together the research and policy development of vaccines for cattle and badgers. The policy options are being developed and shaped by veterinary advice, scientific evidence and economic analysis. The TB Programme has also been working with external stakeholders to draw on their expertise and assist the policy development process.

Vaccination of either cattle or wildlife is an important long-term policy option for reducing the risk of bovine TB in England. The total investment (since 1998) in vaccine development has reached more than £23 million, with over £5 million invested in cattle and badger vaccine research in the last financial year (2008/09).

An injectable BCG badger vaccine has been licensed and the earliest projected date for the use of a BCG cattle vaccine with a differential diagnostic test (DIVA) is 2015. The earliest projected date for a BCG oral badger vaccine is late 2014.

Putting TB vaccines into use is not a simple task. The TB Vaccines Programme has held a number of discussions with stakeholders including farming, veterinary and wildlife groups on scenarios for the potential use of cattle and badger vaccines against Bovine TB. A vaccine is unlikely to be effective where there is existing infection. An improvement in the health of both badgers and cattle, through disease reduction, will be needed before a vaccine can be successfully deployed in the bTB hotspot areas.


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