Welcome to vnonline.co.uk

vnonline.co.uk provides the veterinary nursing profession with the latest news and industry developments, as well as events, resources, learning materials and careers.

Our website is dedicated to veterinary nurses and we strive to provide a platform where you can voice and explore your interests.

Not a member yet? Sign up for free!

Register for free with vnonline.co.uk to gain unlimited access to news, resources, jobs and much more!



Click here to become a member






Log in to vnonline

Forgot your password?

Posted: 11th March 2013

Oral badger vaccine field trial
Researchers in Ireland develop TB protection

The Republic of Ireland has begun a field trial to help develop an oral tuberculosis (TB) vaccine for badgers.

The results will allow scientists in Ireland to improve the oral vaccine, to help prevent the spread of TB to cattle. The research is being conducted alongside New Zealand, who currently use the formulations in possums.

Trials involve trapping badgers, then anaesthetising and injecting them to swallow the vaccine in a formulation. Bait is currently not being used.

Glyn Hewinson, chief scientist at the AHVLA, said: "A number of formulations are under investigation; none of them are ready for use yet.

"Although [the trial] will give proof of principle over how the vaccine might work in that formulation, it doesn't say how effective it will be in a bait.

"There is progress," he added. "But these things take a lot of time."

Scientists from the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Food an Environment Research Agency (Fera) and the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) are helping with the trial.

The results will assist scientists in developing the oral vaccine, so the Republic of Ireland can then apply for it to be licensed.

However, this is "still several years away", according to Prof Hewinson.



Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history



Latest news | Careers | Events | Resources | Contact us | Terms and conditions | Data Protection and Privacy |Cookie policy | About us | Copyright
© 2024 Vision Media, all rights reserved. vnonline.co.uk is not responsible for the content of external websites.