Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 22nd May 2018
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

TB test accepted for ‘exceptional private use’
Actiphage is a six-hour test that can identify the presence of live mycobacteria in blood or milk samples.
BVA welcomes move that could improve testing accuracy

A novel test for bovine TB that is more sensitive than previous methods has been accepted for ‘exceptional private use’ in England.

Actiphage is a six-hour test that can identify the presence of live mycobacteria in blood or milk samples. The currently approved skin test for bovine TB assesses the animal’s response to the bacteria and results take 72 hours.

Under the new ‘exceptional private use’ protocol, Actiphage can be used on a small number of large, persistently-infected herds. Before it can be given the go-ahead for veterinary use, however, it will need to go through further trials.

The news has been welcomed by the British Veterinary Association (BVA). BVA president John Fishwick said:

“We welcome any test that could improve the accuracy of diagnosing bovine TB and it is heartening to hear that this new test could potentially provide quicker, more convenient results.

“With any TB test, it is absolutely crucial that its sensitivity, specify and performance are fully understood and it is reassuring that the Animal and Plant Health Agency have authorised the exceptional private use of this test to it will be used appropriately at this stage of its development.

“TB testing is an important tool that can help achieve the long-term goal of TB eradication and must be part of a comprehensive toolkit of measures.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."