MPs announce inquiry into bovine TB vaccination

MPs have announced an inquiry into the vaccination of badgers and cattle as a strategy to control bovine TB.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee is asking for all interested parties to submit evidence to them by 11 January 2013.

“The inquiry is expected to cover the likely timescales and challenges in delivering vaccination programmes, their costs and efficacy, and whether a vaccination programme could be delivered without having a negative effect on UK exports,” said a statement.

Submissions are invited on the current injectible badger vaccine programme and the costs, effectiveness and timetable to delivery of:

• Oral badger TB vaccine;
• Cattle TB vaccine; and
• Diagnostic test for differentiating infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA)

The committee is also inviting evidence on the impact and challenges of vaccination on cattle and cattle product exports.

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