Bovine TB experts discuss vaccination strategy

Speakers at the AberTB 2025 conference

Leading scientists, vets and policymakers from across Britain have met at Aberystwyth University to discuss vaccination strategies for bovine TB today (Wednesday 17 September).

Hosted by the Sêr Cymru Centre of Excellence for Bovine Tuberculosis, the School of Veterinary Sciences, and VetHub1, this year’s AberTB conference focused on vaccination as a rapidly evolving area in controlling the disease.

The event opened with a keynote address from Professor Sir Charles Godfray CBE FRS, Chair of the 2025 Review of the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Strategy for England. He presented findings from the latest review, published this month, which assesses scientific developments since 2018 and highlights critical gaps in research and disease control.

Sir Charles later joined a panel discussion alongside fellow review members Aberystwyth University’s Professor Glyn Hewinson CBE FLSW and Professor James Wood OBE from the University of Cambridge and chaired by Sharon Hammond, Chair of the Welsh Government’s Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Programme Board.

Other expert speakers included Professor Helen McShane from the University of Oxford who spoke about human TB vaccines and Defra’s Dr Andy Robertson who presented on how Defra is planning to accelerate the roll out of badger vaccination.

Maria Dominguez MRCVS and Ivelina Miteva DVM MSc from the Animal and Plant Health Agency led a talk on the on-going field trials of cattle vaccination and complementary diagnostic tests.

Delegates also explored the practicalities of implementing cattle and badger vaccination programmes in Wales, identifying key opportunities and barriers to progress.

Professor Glyn Hewinson, Head of the Sêr Cymru Centre of Excellence for Bovine Tuberculosis at Aberystwyth University, said:

“One of our core aims is to strengthen cross-sector understanding of the latest developments in tackling bovine TB.  We were delighted to welcome such a distinguished group of experts to Aberystwyth. With rapid advancements in vaccination science, this conference is a vital opportunity to share insights and help shape the future of disease management in both cattle and wildlife.”

Professor Iain Barber, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Sciences at Aberystwyth University added:

“The economic and emotional cost of bovine TB to rural communities can be devastating and it affects so many in the agricultural and veterinary industries here in Wales. The annual AberTB Conference acts as a focal point for collaboration in this critically important field. The School of Veterinary Sciences, the Sêr Cymru Centre of Excellence for Bovine TB and VetHub¹ each make significant contributions to the veterinary industry in Wales, and we are proud that Aberystwyth University continues to play such a pivotal role in supporting the national TB eradication programme.”

Established in 2018, the Sêr Cymru Centre of Excellence for Bovine Tuberculosis at Aberystwyth University provides independent expert advice on bovine TB control and is enhancing livestock research in Wales through its state-of-the-art veterinary research laboratories.

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