Welsh Government
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Experts gather in Cardiff to progress cattle vaccination for TB

International experts have gathered in Cardiff to consider how cattle vaccination could contribute to TB eradication in Wales and beyond.

The Welsh Government is hosting a two day workshop for some of the world’s leading experts in cattle vaccination to advance current thinking on the role that a cattle vaccine should play in TB eradication. The workshop will also look at how Wales can ensure it is ready to utilise a BCG vaccination as and when such a vaccine is approved for use by the EU.

The workshop will be opened by Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development, John Griffiths and Chaired by Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Christianne Glossop.

Speaking ahead of the event, Environment Minister John Griffiths said:

“Here in Wales we already have a comprehensive range of measures in place to tackle bovine TB, however we are always looking at how we can improve our approach and are keen to keep pace with scientific advances.

“I am very pleased to welcome some of the world’s leading experts in cattle vaccination to Wales for what I am confident will be a valuable event, and one that will move us closer to our goal of a cattle vaccination strategy for Wales.

“Such a strategy really is a high priority for the Welsh Government.  We know it is going to take time to get there, and that there are technical and legislative hurdles to be overcome but we are keen to do all we can to accelerate the process and make cattle vaccination a reality in Wales.”

Wales Chief Veterinary Officer, Christianne Glossop said:

”We are holding this vaccination workshop to bring experts from around the world together into one room to think about how we can make best use of a cattle vaccine once it is legal to do so.

“I am really pleased that such experienced and respected professions have travelled to Wales to discuss this very important issue. This workshop is a milestone in a long but important journey and it is another key step towards making Wales TB free. ”

The workshop is due to be attended by over 40 leading figures in the field. These include Dr Paul Livingstone, Research Manager at New Zealand’s Animal Health Board, and Chair of the TB Control Programme Technical Advisory Group, Professor Glyn Hewinson, the AHVLA’s Chief Scientific Advisor and Professor Peter Roeder, veterinary consultant and Secretary of the Global Rinderpest Eradication Programme at FAO.

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