Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

New TB vaccine being explored

Updated at 6:17 am on 13 August 2010

AgResearch scientists developing a vaccine to protect cattle and deer from bovine tuberculosis, are also exploring an entirely new type of vaccine that could increase the effectiveness of treating livestock against the disease.

The research programme, which includes the development of improved TB testing methods, is to get further Government funding of $750,000 per year for five years.

The aim is to give farmers another tool to control TB, especially in parts of the country where the disease is still endemic in possum,s and other wildlife.

The human TB vaccine BCG will be trialled in livestock over the next two to three years, to out how long it remains effective.

Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand