December 19, 2023

Republic of Ireland open to exploring bovine tuberculosis vaccines for cattle

The Republic of Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM) has expressed openness to exploring bovine tuberculosis (TB) vaccines for cattle, as shared by Dr Damien Barrett, senior superintending veterinary inspector at the DAFM, Agriland reported.

Dr Barrett revealed that colleagues in the United Kingdom are actively developing a vaccine known as Detecting Infected among Vaccinated Animals (DIVA), designed to differentiate between an immune reaction due to vaccination and infection. He informed Ireland's Committee on Agriculture, Food, and the Marine that safety trials for DIVA have essentially been completed, demonstrating no harm.

During discussions with UK counterparts, Dr Barrett mentioned that the vaccine's availability in the market is estimated to be at least 10 years away. In response to a query by Senator Paul Daly about the DAFM's stance on TB vaccines for cattle, Dr Barrett expressed an open-minded approach, stating that they would explore and pursue such vaccines when and if they become available.

The challenge with existing TB vaccines for cattle lies in their potential to cause vaccinated cattle to fail the tuberculin test, posing significant implications for exports. Dr Barrett highlighted the need for certification and support from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) to ensure a product's designation as "TB-free" post-vaccination.

The ongoing trials in the UK involve using the same vaccine for cattle and humans, described by Dr Barrett as "lifelong," particularly for badgers. In efforts to control TB, over 8,000 badgers have been vaccinated this year, with culling and vaccination occurring simultaneously in regions with high-risk breakdowns.

Dr Barrett said that the spread of TB within species, such as badgers, is more significant than between species like badgers and cattle. Recent data from the DAFM revealed a notable increase in TB breakdowns, with almost 5,000 herds affected in the last twelve months.

To maintain TB-free status, the EU requires a rate of 0.2% of herds, according to Dr John Griffin, chair of the Scientific Working Group of the TB Forum. The TB programme in Ireland has incurred a cost of EUR 65 million (US$70 million) year-to-date, with EU support ceasing in 2023.

-      Agriland