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Oral badger vaccine field trial
Researchers in Ireland develop TB protection

The Republic of Ireland has begun a field trial to help develop an oral tuberculosis (TB) vaccine for badgers.

The results will allow scientists in Ireland to improve the oral vaccine, to help prevent the spread of TB to cattle. The research is being conducted alongside New Zealand, who currently use the formulations in possums.

Trials involve trapping badgers, then anaesthetising and injecting them to swallow the vaccine in a formulation. Bait is currently not being used.

Glyn Hewinson, chief scientist at the AHVLA, said: "A number of formulations are under investigation; none of them are ready for use yet.

"Although [the trial] will give proof of principle over how the vaccine might work in that formulation, it doesn't say how effective it will be in a bait.

"There is progress," he added. "But these things take a lot of time."

Scientists from the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Food an Environment Research Agency (Fera) and the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) are helping with the trial.

The results will assist scientists in developing the oral vaccine, so the Republic of Ireland can then apply for it to be licensed.

However, this is "still several years away", according to Prof Hewinson.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."