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New Johne's disease test developed
The test detects live infectious agent as well as antibodies against MAP.

Test provides more accurate, rapid and quantitative results.

Scientists at the Queen's University Belfast and the Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) have developed a new test for Johne's Disease (JD) that could make it faster and easier to detect the condition in dairy cattle.

The new test, described in the journal Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, is reported to be more rapid and sensitive in detecting the infectious agent (MAP) of JD in veterinary specimens and has shown greater detection capability than the current milk-ELISA test.

Crucially, the test detects live infectious agent, not just antibodies against MAP as detected by milk-ELISA. It can also be applied to faeces and blood from livestock, in addition to bovine milk.

Researchers hope the test will generate more accurate data on the prevalence of JD - particularly within Northern Ireland, where the true prevalence of the disease is not accurately known. 
 
Professor Irene Grant from Queens University Belfast said: "I hope our test will offer more accurate, rapid and quantitative results, and therefore help farmers and vets make more informed decisions about the infection status of animals in order to control the disease more effectively within herds.

"I also hope it will generate more accurate data on the prevalence of JD within Northern Ireland and therefore build a better picture of this animal-health problem.”

The team now hopes to further develop and validate their test for MAP infection at farm level.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.