Submitted by J. Hudson on Wed, 10/06/2026 - 10:05
A new national strategy published today sets out a practical roadmap to achieve Officially Bovine TB-Free status in England by 2038, including an ambition to deploy a cattle vaccine by 2030.
The strategy was developed by the Bovine TB Partnership for England, bringing together farmers, veterinarians, scientists, industry and government representatives. Professor James Wood from the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, was a member of the co-design steering group that helped shape the recommendations.
Professor Wood highlighted the important role vaccination could play in the future control of the disease:
"Cattle vaccination...is a very powerful tool to block TB transmission between cattle, and we are working with farmers to determine how best to use it."
The recommendations focus on reducing disease transmission between cattle, improving the tools available to farmers and vets, and using science and evidence to support decision making.
