SASKATOON — The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization is close to developing a new vaccine that could strengthen protection against bovine tuberculosis, with plans to release it commercially within a three- to five-year time frame.
VIDO director for research Andrew Van Kessel, speaking to reporters during the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at the Saskatoon Inn & Conference Centre, said the vaccine would help prevent the disease and ensure the security of beef supplies for international markets.
The organization is now about halfway through the project and has identified a suitable candidate to test the vaccine’s effectiveness, particularly for specific cattle species. Additional studies will still be required before advancing to field trials and eventual regulatory approval.
Van Kessel said that although bovine tuberculosis, or Mycobacterium bovis, is not endemic to Canada, the studies are critical not only for animal health outcomes, but also for understanding how the vaccine performs under real-world production conditions.
He added that the vaccine would likely be distributed commercially to countries and regions with a high risk of the disease, such as parts of South America, which could help control it within their local cattle industries. Initial work in mice has shown the vaccine provides high levels of protection.
“We can help to clear the disease from that. And in the long run, it actually protects Canada's industry as well. As we reduce disease burden globally, we reduce the likelihood of bringing that disease to Canada,” said Van Kessel.
He added that VIDO’s research is part of its contribution to food security and to the health of the Saskatchewan and Canadian cattle industries, particularly as producers face concerns around disease risk and market access.
Van Kessel’s comments came as federal and provincial ministers announced a renewed $3.9-million, multi-year partnership with VIDO and the Prairie Swine Centre through the Agricultural Development Fund, supporting livestock research aimed at innovation, sustainability and competitiveness.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a joint federal-provincial investment, funds the ADF, a five-year, $3.5-billion initiative designed to strengthen and innovate Canada’s agriculture sector. VIDO’s vaccine research is positioned as a long-term investment in cattle health and market stability.
Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald and his Saskatchewan counterpart, David Marit, said investing in agricultural research strengthens one of the country’s key sectors. MacDonald added it ensures producers can operate more efficiently and sustainably, while Marit said research investment will deliver innovation to livestock producers, helping them adapt, stay competitive and thrive in an ever-changing industry.
Saskatchewan Cattle Association chair Chad Ross thanked both levels of government for investing in research priorities, which he said are critical for an industry focused this year on animal health, forage production and water quality.
