Test proves immunity prior to travel
Veterinary diagnostics business Biobest and The Moredun Research Institute are celebrating 18 years of collaboration in rabies serology testing for the international movement of cats and dogs.
The collaboration began in 1999, with Moredun providing the high containment testing laboratory and Biobest providing the technical expertise and understanding to perform the blood testing of pets.
Today, Biobest tests samples from across the globe to prove dogs and cats are immune to rabies before they are allowed to travel.
“This test, which proves immunity to rabies prior to travel, has facilitated international movement of pets and cats all over the world without lengthy quarantine periods; reducing stress and inconvenience for pets and owners when moving between countries,” commented Paul Burr, director of Biobest.
Julie Fitzpatrick, scientific director and CEO, Moredun added: “This is an excellent example of innovative collaboration.Moredun has world class facilities and expertise to enable the safe handling of pathogens allowing this testing to be conducted safely and effectively.”
The internationally recognised test shows a biological effect (neutralisation) of infectious virus. In virology, these neutralisation tests are recognised as showing the best correlation between positive test results and immunity to infection. The service is also cost effective and fast; test results are typically returned to the customer within five working days of the sample.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
