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

FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk