Has enough focus and investment been directed into TB research and into deepening our understanding of the transmission mechanism of the disease?

This is a pertinent question, given that Ireland has spent the equivalent of €5.5bn on TB eradication over the last seven decades.

However, like most issues, tackling TB cannot be reduced to a binary choice between an eradication scheme and a scientific solution. Complex problems invariably demand more nuanced solutions.

Ireland’s TB eradication scheme, or widespread suppression of the disease at the very least, was a necessity in the 1950s and 1960s to protect the country’s crucial live cattle exports to Britain.

Research

The latest drive to clear the herd of TB by 2030 has brought the focus firmly back on eradication. However, research is also a key element of the multi-faceted approach to countering the disease.

Indeed, there is a continuing international focus on TB research, both from the point of view of developing a vaccine for the disease and improved diagnostics or testing.

Much of the UK’s efforts with regard to bovine TB research over the last few years have centred on developing a vaccine for the disease. This work has been supported by Irish scientists and institutions, but the lead role has been taken by the British.

The key issue in this research is not so much developing the vaccine – which is similar to the BCG in humans – but the requirement for a diagnostic test which will differentiate TB-infected cattle from vaccinated animals. This is termed a DIVA test.

In July, the British authorities launched clinical field trials of the BCG vaccine and an accompanying DIVA skin test on which researchers at UCD and the Department of Agriculture collaborated.

While the UK vaccination research project will be a game-changer if successful, this technology could still be seven to 10 years away from offering a realistic solution for farmers.

Moreover, Ireland faces the added challenge of ensuring that vaccination is accepted as a TB treatment by our international trading partners. Vaccinating for TB will have to be given the green light by states to which we export beef before the approach can be adopted in Ireland.

Whole genome sequencing of bovine TB is another exciting development in terms of research. This technology identifies subtle differences in the genetic make-up of various TB strains.

These differences allow scientists to accurately trace the spread of the disease from one area to another and examine the interaction of farm animals and wildlife in this process.

Irish research institutes are also working on developing new diagnostics or TB tests and assessing if these are suitable for deployment at farm level.

In addition, researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of the TB vaccine for badgers, and working on ways that this can possibly be improved.

More generally, research agencies have undertaken modelling on the impact and benefits of different TB eradication policies and strategies.