Select committee inquiry
Bovine TB Vaccine
Closed
What the inquiry looked at
“Inquiry covering the likely timescales and challenges in delivering vaccination programmes for cattle and badgers, the costs of those programmes and their efficacy. Further information including details of evidence taken”
The committee's words, from the inquiry page on parliament.uk ↗.
What the government said
2nd Report - Vaccination against Bovine TB - Volume II (Additional written evidence)
No government response is linked to this report.
2nd Report - Vaccination against Bovine TB - Volume I (Volume I: Report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence)
The government responded on 16 October 2013.
Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response.
The Government welcomes the Committee's report and its recognition that cattle and badger vaccination are important tools that are not enough on their own, while setting out its position on each recommendation and pointing to its draft TB Strategy.
- On a cost-benefit analysis before any cattle vaccine deployment, the Government states: "The Government agrees and work on the cost-benefit analysis is underway."
- On cattle vaccine field trials, it says they "may only take place" if it is granted an Animal Test Certificate by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, and that it would "hope to be able to compress" the Commission's indicative 10-year timetable.
- On an advisory service for NGOs deploying badger vaccine, the Government "remains to be convinced of the merits" but "will discuss this with interested NGOs".
- On lay vaccinator training, it does not believe there is a case for more places or a general farmer subsidy now, but says that "If and when that situation changes we will re-consider this recommendation."
Read the government's response ↗ Read the report ↗ Report an error
How the inquiry ran
Each dot is a dated item listed on this page, from the inquiry's opening on 8 November 2012 to 16 October 2013.
- Report 2 reports
- Government response 16 Oct 2013
What it recommended 12 recommendations · 17 conclusions
1During the last 18 months the debate on the availability of a cattle vaccine for...
Recommended (the committee's words)
During the last 18 months the debate on the availability of a cattle vaccine for bovine TB has been characterised by a lack of clarity and public misunderstanding. Although it is by no means solely responsible, the Government must accept a great deal of the blame for this. The quality and accuracy of the information that Defra has put in the public domain has been insufficient and inadequate. It is unfortunate that this has led to debate over the timetable for use of the vaccine overshadowing scientific breakthroughs in the development of both the vaccine and DIVA test that should be applauded.
2We await publication of the TB eradication strategy with interest and expect it to include...
Concluded (the committee's words)
We await publication of the TB eradication strategy with interest and expect it to include not only information on those methods that are available for the eradication of bovine TB but progress on those in development. The launch of the strategy must be accompanied by a public information campaign to make the position clear in the public’s mind and dispel misunderstanding.
3It is perplexing that the Government has maintained that field trials were prohibited under EU...
Concluded (the committee's words)
It is perplexing that the Government has maintained that field trials were prohibited under EU law when, as recent events have shown, this is not the case. We accept that field trials might be permitted only if certain criteria are met, the development of the DIVA test being one of them, but to have stated that legislative change is required is misleading. It would be unfortunate if the Government’s interpretation of the legislation had delayed progress in delivering a vaccine.
4We are not convinced that the Government had to wait until all the ‘factors were...
Concluded (the committee's words)
We are not convinced that the Government had to wait until all the ‘factors were in place’ before approaching the Commission. However, while we believe negotiations could and should have begun earlier, we welcome the efforts of the Government and the Commission in coming to an agreement that field trials might take place in the UK. To be able to study the efficacy of the vaccine and DIVA test in UK field conditions is a big step forward and we congratulate the Government on securing this position.
5It is difficult to envisage Defra designing field trials of the scope and size requested...
Recommended (the committee's words)
It is difficult to envisage Defra designing field trials of the scope and size requested by the Commission without using the commercial herd. In doing so, the Government must take steps to reassure the public that such field trials will not pose a public health risk. The Government must also make sure that farmers volunteering their herds for these trials are not left financially disadvantaged. We look forward to seeing details of the programme for field trials once it is agreed.
6We welcome the ongoing dialogue between the UK, EU and OIE.
Concluded (the committee's words)
We welcome the ongoing dialogue between the UK, EU and OIE. A good working relationship is vital to ensuring early success in the development and deployment of a vaccine to help combat bovine TB. The indicative 10-year timetable set down by the Commission is precisely that, indicative. The UK Government should do all it can to condense the timetable without compromising the collection of the robust field data necessary to satisfy the VMD and European and international communities. Once the programme for field trials is agreed we look forward to the Vaccination against bovine TB 35 Government publishing its own indicative timetable for the use of a cattle vaccine. We accept that such a timetable may be subject to change but any changes must be clearly explained.
7We invite Defra to indicate in its response to this Report, the timetable proposed for...
Concluded (the committee's words)
We invite Defra to indicate in its response to this Report, the timetable proposed for the new Animal Health legislation.
8A vaccine that is 65% effective will not immediately solve the problems of bovine TB...
Recommended (the committee's words)
A vaccine that is 65% effective will not immediately solve the problems of bovine TB within the cattle industry. Over the short term, its use will be an additional financial cost and may lead to an increase in the administrative and testing burdens farmers already face. While it will be a useful tool to have, the circumstances in which it might be used, the precise objectives of applying it and levels of protection that would be needed to make vaccination worthwhile need careful consideration. Before deployment the Government must undertake and publish a robust cost-benefit analysis. The analysis must also consider the extent to which EU financial support would be available for such a programme.
9Even if the cattle BCG vaccine becomes available to use the Government must not stop...
Recommended (the committee's words)
Even if the cattle BCG vaccine becomes available to use the Government must not stop there. The considerable cost of the DIVA test and cattle BCG mean that research into a vaccine that does not desensitise animals to the skin test must remain an objective. There is also considerable merit in focusing research on improving the immunity offered by the existing BCG vaccine.
10In order for vaccination to be considered part of a strategy to eradicate bovine TB...
Recommended (the committee's words)
In order for vaccination to be considered part of a strategy to eradicate bovine TB we first need to establish what level of efficacy can be expected. The research undertaken by Chambers et al was vital in gathering the data required to get a badger vaccine licensed and available to use and we congratulate those involved in achieving this aim. To have another tool to use against bovine TB is valuable. However, what is also apparent is that substantial data clearly showing the effect of the vaccine in the field are lacking. Now that a vaccine is available the Government should consider addressing this evidence gap by researching the efficacy of the BadgerBCG vaccine in the field.
11Although they were not originally planned to test the effectiveness of the vaccine or the...
Concluded (the committee's words)
Although they were not originally planned to test the effectiveness of the vaccine or the impact of its deployment on the incidence of TB in cattle, the cancellation of five of the six Badger Vaccine Deployment Projects represents a missed opportunity to collect valuable data on the effect of the badger vaccine.
12The absence of empirical evidence of the impact of badger vaccination on the incidence of...
Concluded (the committee's words)
The absence of empirical evidence of the impact of badger vaccination on the incidence of TB in cattle is not on its own a reason not to pursue a vaccination strategy. A vaccine that reduces the excretion of M. Bovis bacteria is a powerful tool. An effective programme of badger vaccination in areas where badgers are the suspected source of TB in cattle would be expected to reduce transmission of the disease between the species
13Although the extent of infection transmitted between badgers and cattle is subject to debate, we...
Concluded (the committee's words)
Although the extent of infection transmitted between badgers and cattle is subject to debate, we believe there is merit in gathering information on potential transmission pathways and we welcome FERA’s research project on badger farm visits. 36 Vaccination against bovine TB Developing and implementing effective badger exclusion methods may prove more cost effective than other measures aimed at addressing the impact of infected badgers on cattle.
14Herd immunity is a sought after outcome of any vaccination programme.
Concluded (the committee's words)
Herd immunity is a sought after outcome of any vaccination programme. It means transmission of disease is reduced and non-vaccinated animals are given a measure of protection reducing the need for further deployment of the vaccine. The identification of the indirect effect of badger vaccination on unvaccinated cubs is an important step forward in research on the effectiveness of the BadgerBCG vaccine. For herd immunity to occur, a significant proportion of the uninfected badger population must be trapped and vaccinated. The precise numbers depend not only on local factors such as badger population, density and environmental factors but, as importantly, on the efficacy of the vaccine. While herd immunity may mean that not every badger has to be vaccinated every year, we need to be confident, without testing each badger, that herd immunity has developed. Further research on the indirect effect of vaccination is therefore necessary and must be included as part of future evidence-gathering on the efficacy of the vaccine in the field.
15Although vaccination is costly, scope exists for economies of scale but this will need a...
Recommended (the committee's words)
Although vaccination is costly, scope exists for economies of scale but this will need a more coordinated national approach to badger vaccination to enable equipment and information to be shared more effectively. There is great enthusiasm among voluntary organisations for deploying the badger vaccine. The Government should not miss the opportunity to use them both to gather evidence and as a resource to carry out vaccination. A first step should be to set up an advisory service to help NGOs plan and deploy a programme of vaccination and to advise what data it would be useful to obtain.
16PCR testing of badger faeces has the potential to identify those setts which harbour infected...
Recommended (the committee's words)
PCR testing of badger faeces has the potential to identify those setts which harbour infected badgers. Doing so will not only enable a vaccination programme to be better targeted and therefore more cost-effective but may also be able to show whether the vaccination has been successful in creating herd immunity in particular social groups. We recommend that the Government provide funding to explore how this research might be applied practically in the field.
17Farmers are not entitled to funding to complete the lay vaccinator training course despite it...
Recommended (the committee's words)
Farmers are not entitled to funding to complete the lay vaccinator training course despite it being their land on which access is required to undertake the vaccination. This is perverse. The Government should amend eligibility for the course to include farmers.
18The Government should increase the number of places on its lay vaccinator training course.
Recommended (the committee's words)
The Government should increase the number of places on its lay vaccinator training course. It would be disappointing if a lack of qualified vaccinators became the limiting factor in a programme aimed at reducing TB in badgers.
19The Government needs to undertake further research in order to have confidence in the level...
Concluded (the committee's words)
The Government needs to undertake further research in order to have confidence in the level of efficacy to be expected from the vaccine when deployed in the field.
20The development of a vaccine that reduced the level of infection in badgers would be...
Concluded (the committee's words)
The development of a vaccine that reduced the level of infection in badgers would be a valuable tool in the battle against bovine TB but, despite 10 years of research and £11million spent in development, it is one that Defra lack a strategy for using. A Vaccination against bovine TB 37 number of voluntary organisations are deploying the vaccine and, while we commend their actions, in the absence of a clear nationally coordinated strategy this work can only have a limited impact on the wider problem of bovine TB. We are particularly concerned that Defra may miss the opportunity to make use of the enthusiasm that exists in the voluntary sector for badger vaccination.
21Badger vaccination is expensive and no magic bullet.
Concluded (the committee's words)
Badger vaccination is expensive and no magic bullet. We agree with the Wildlife Trusts that if it is going to make a difference, it needs to be deployed strategically in areas where it is likely to have the biggest impact. The vaccine has been available for use for more than three years. Having developed the vaccine, Defra must now produce a clear strategy for its use.
22We welcome the Government’s continued commitment toward the development of an oral baited vaccine for...
Recommended (the committee's words)
We welcome the Government’s continued commitment toward the development of an oral baited vaccine for badgers. An oral vaccine that is cost effective and easy to deploy is arguably the best means of creating a healthy badger population. It is important that sufficient resources are available in order to accelerate the necessary research required to make an oral vaccine available for use. The Government must also continue to work closely with other countries with similar problems of infected wildlife such as Ireland, New Zealand and Spain.
23Progress towards an oral vaccine for badgers is evident but one will not be available...
Concluded (the committee's words)
Progress towards an oral vaccine for badgers is evident but one will not be available in the near future. Further scientific information is required before a candidate vaccine might be taken forward to be licensed. The most cost-effective means of deploying the vaccine which will maximise uptake among the target badger population and minimise consumption by other species also remains to be fully identified.
24Even if an oral vaccine becomes available it is unlikely to be an immediate or...
Concluded (the committee's words)
Even if an oral vaccine becomes available it is unlikely to be an immediate or complete solution in combating bovine TB in badgers. If herd immunity could be achieved it would take many years and considerable effort and expense. That is not to say that it should not be considered; it is the most likely means of creating a healthy badger population, but it is important that these caveats are understood by all those interested in this subject.
25Defra has a clear responsibility to keep the public informed of scientific progress toward developing...
Concluded (the committee's words)
Defra has a clear responsibility to keep the public informed of scientific progress toward developing an effective oral vaccine. It has so far failed to do so adequately. Reticence about publishing indicative timescales is understandable but there is scope for Defra to improve information available. Basic details of trials, such as their purpose and length, and updates on progress should be available and easily accessible to the public.
26The testing regime is central to the control and eradication of bovine TB in this...
Concluded (the committee's words)
The testing regime is central to the control and eradication of bovine TB in this country. It is frustrating to hear government officials acknowledge that the current testing regime misses infectious cattle when they have a test at their disposal with a greater sensitivity. We accept that the gamma interferon test is expensive but the 38 Vaccination against bovine TB Government must explore whether it is possible to use the test more widely than is the case at present. Doing so may help the Government to get ahead of the spread of infection and begin to bear down on the disease.
27Now that the gamma interferon test is out of patent it seems to us timely...
Concluded (the committee's words)
Now that the gamma interferon test is out of patent it seems to us timely for the Government to explore whether it is possible to improve the performance of the test and reduce its cost.
28The Government should explore the possibility of integrating local vets into strategies for improving farm...
Recommended (the committee's words)
The Government should explore the possibility of integrating local vets into strategies for improving farm biosecurity and disease control. The local vet is well placed to know what is going on in a particular herd and will be familiar with the area and trusted by the farmer. We are mindful that this may lead to extra costs for farmers and this must be included in any consideration of such a strategy.
29The Government should explore the possibility of integrating local vets into strategies for improving farm...
Recommended (the committee's words)
The Government should explore the possibility of integrating local vets into strategies for improving farm biosecurity and disease control. The local vet is well placed to know what is going on in a particular herd and will be familiar with the area and trusted by the farmer. We are mindful that this may lead to extra costs for farmers and this must be included in any consideration of such a strategy.