TB cattle vaccine takes 'small step forward'

Scientists have announced a small but important step in the development of an effective cattle vaccine to prevent bovine tuberculosis. They have identified a "biomarker" using sophisticated molecular technology that allows them to predict vaccine efficacy. David Williams, chairman of the Badger Trust, which strongly supports vaccination of both cattle and badgers, said: "We welcome this refinement in laboratory technique, part of the progress towards the long-awaited goal of an effective cattle vaccine. "This discovery represents constant and encouraging movement in molecular studies and techniques, and it follows steady progression elsewhere". The research, led by Marcel Behr, a professor at the McGill University, Canada, was funded by DEFRA.

More at: Farmers' Weekly (UK)