The NFU organised a visit for its bTB delivery team and members from the TBAG (TB Advisory Group) to the APHA’s headquarters in Weybridge.
Led by Camille Harrison, lead scientist for bovine tuberculosis at APHA, along with her team of TB scientists, the visit allowed the NFU to gain insights into the scientific effort behind bTB control, research, and surveillance to reach eradication of bTB in England and Wales.
The visit demonstrated numerous cattle research projects and innovative field trials for bTB vaccination in progress, showing APHA’s commitment to bTB eradication.
The NFU had a behind the scenes look at the journey of a sample as it moves through various laboratories and facilities, such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction), WGS (whole genome sequencing) and culture development.
Interactive discussions were had about the range of diagnostic tools to control bTB, including gamma, antibody tests and WGS, and how these scientific advancements shape bTB policy decisions, with feedback from members and NFU.
‘Working together effectively’
Following the visit, NFU TB advisory group member and NFU Livestock Board East chair Hugh Broom said: “The day was incredibly informative and demonstrated the outstanding breadth of expertise and world-class facilities at APHA Weybridge.
“It is clear that investment in the site, resources, and personnel must be delivered to maximise essential services, diagnostic capacity, research, and development into novel controls for endemic and notifiable diseases that safeguard public health and national food security
“As farmers, we must understand the challenges APHA faces in tackling this disease and help them understand the challenges our colleagues face daily on their farms.
“Only by working together effectively will we be able to continue to drive down the outbreaks of this disease on our farms.”
“As farmers, we must understand the challenges APHA faces in tackling this disease and help them understand the challenges our colleagues face daily on their farms.”
NFU TB advisory group member Hugh Broom
The APHA also discussed its current commitment to sourcing reactor cattle for its ongoing research projects and highlighted the need for participation from farmers to send reactor cattle to APHA for contribution to the ongoing projects, further emphasising how APHA’s research will influence future diagnostic and control strategies for the disease.
A collaborative discussion between APHA and the NFU, focusing on strategies to work together towards effective bTB control concluded the day.
For more information, and to understand the criteria required to send suitable cattle for research purposes within APHA Weybridge, please contact the NFU bTB delivery team via NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458.
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