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APHA Expands Faster bTB PCR Testing Nationwide

Innovative Testing Strategy

Breakthrough in bTB Diagnosis The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has announced an expansion of its pioneering PCR testing method for bovine tuberculosis (bTB), following its successful initial phase. This expansion marks a significant advancement in the fight against bTB, a major agricultural challenge in the UK.  

Impact on Livestock Keepers

Rapid Result Delivery The new PCR testing method has dramatically shortened the time for reporting bTB results to livestock keepers. The reduction from a lengthy 22 weeks to a swift three weeks represents a major leap forward, alleviating the stress and uncertainty for farmers during the waiting period. With the faster PCR test results, negative cases can lead to the quicker lifting of herd movement restrictions, significantly benefiting farming operations and animal welfare.  

Technical Advancements

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, capable of directly detecting the bacterium responsible for bTB from tissue samples at post-mortem, has proven its efficacy and reliability in the initial rollout. The expanded use of PCR testing across England, Wales, and Scotland will now include a wider range of bovine TB samples such as direct contacts and animals with inconclusive skin test results.  

Official Perspectives

APHA's Commitment David Holdsworth, APHA Chief Executive, highlighted the importance of delivering faster results to farmers, noting the significant reduction in waiting time as a key achievement in APHA’s efforts against bTB. Veterinary Insights UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Ele Brown said: “Timely and reliable testing is essential in halting the spread of this insidious disease in animals, and the initial rollout of the PCR test has shown a tenfold improvement in testing turnaround time. “I am pleased that its use will now be extended even further, ensuring that APHA can continue its vital role in detecting disease on farms, and give farmers earlier certainty of disease in their herd.”  

Economic and Health Context

The Challenge of bTB Bovine TB remains one of the most challenging animal health issues, with substantial implications for the UK, costing taxpayers approximately £100 million annually. The PCR test was initially implemented for a range of cases including bTB slaughterhouse cases and non-bovine animals with TB lesions identified post-mortem, as well as domestic pets and exotic species under investigation.  

Future Developments

Expanding PCR Test Coverage The expanded PCR testing is set to commence on 14 February, extending its scope to a broader range of samples and situations, aiming to enhance disease management on farms. Further details about the PCR test's capabilities and application will soon be available on the TB Hub, providing essential guidance for stakeholders.  

Conclusion

The APHA's expansion of the PCR test for bTB represents a crucial advancement in animal health management in the UK. By significantly reducing the waiting time for test results, this initiative not only alleviates stress for livestock keepers but also enables more effective and timely responses to bTB cases. As the UK continues to combat this costly and challenging disease, innovations like the PCR test play a pivotal role in safeguarding both animal health and the agricultural economy.   Sources: THX News, Animal and Plant Health Agency & Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. Read the full article