Farm Animal Diagnostics
Read about the extensive range of diseases we offer diagnostic testing for by species
Farm Animal Diagnostics - Bovine
We offer a BVD antibody and a BVD antigen ELISA. Where a persistently infected animal is suspected it is usually most cost effective to screen animals for BVD antibody and then test those with low or negative antibody titres for virus. Suitable samples for test for BVD antibody include serum, plasma, individual or bulk milk samples. For detection of BVD virus we can use either serum, plasma or ear tissue. Antigen positive animals may have a transient acute infection or be persistently infected, and a second sample after approximately 3 weeks should be used before animals are definitely identified as persistently infected. We can also perform the reference tests for antibody and virus (Virus Neutralisation and Virus Isolation respectively) where necessary. As well as BVD Ag ELISA we can also offer a PCR test. Our BVD ELISAs and PCR are ISO:17025 accredited.
For further information about BVD in cattle , please watch our video on the disease.
Antibodies to Mycobacterium paratuberculosis are detected by and ISO:17025 accredited ELISA. Suitable samples for test include serum, plasma, individual or bulk milk samples. We also offer Johne's PCR on faecal samples and bulk milk to confirm the presence of MAP, this test is also ISO:17025 accredited. It may also be used as an additional test for animals entering a Johne's accredited herd.
For more information on Johne's Disease, please watch our video on the disease.
Antibodies to IBR are detected by an ISO:17025 accredited ELISA. Suitable samples for test include serum, plasma, and individual or bulk milk. We also offer an ISO:17025 accredited IBR gE Blocking Antibody ELISA. This allows differentiation between antibodies to normal and gE deleted virus vaccine strains. Suitable samples for test include serum or plasma. We can also perform the reference tests for antibody of Virus Neutralisation where this is necessary to confirm marginal positive or negative ELISA results.
Antibodies to Leptospira hardjo are detected by an ISO:17025 accredited ELISA. Suitable samples for test include serum, plasma, and individual or bulk milk.
IgG antibodies to bovine Neospora can be detected by an ELISA. Suitable samples for test include serum or plasma. This test can assist the diagnosis of abortion due to Neospora.
Antibodies to Mycoplasma bovis are detected in serum by ELISA. Suitable test samples include serum or plasma.
A neutralisation test is available to determine the levels of neutralising antibody to Bovine Rotavirus. Suitable samples for test include colostrum or milk. There is also an ELISA available to detect group A Rotavirus antigen. Faeces must be submitted for this test.
A neutralisation test is available to determine the levels of neutralising antibody to bovine coronavirus. Suitable samples for test include colostrum or milk. There is also an ELISA to detect bovine coronavirus antigen. Faeces must be submitted for this test.
Mastitis is one of the most significant health and welfare problems in UK dairy herds costing the individual farmer and the dairy industry every year in lost milk, increased labour on farm, medicine, decreased fertility and increased culling. With these costs in mind Biobest offer Bactoproof™, a mastitis diagnostic test with a quicker turnaround time and greater accuracy than the other bacteriology tests currently available. It uses quantitative real time PCR to identify the bacteria involved. It has significant advantages over the existing method of identifying the cause of mastitis by culture.
Bactoproof™ test interpretation guidelines are available here.
Antibodies to PI3 are detected in serum by ELISA. Suitable test samples include serum or plasma.
Antibodies to RSV are detected in serum by ELISA. Suitable test samples include serum or plasma.
An ELISA is available for the detection of antibodies to Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke). Suitable samples include serum, plasma and milk. We also offer a faecal coproantigen test for liver fluke in sheep and cattle.
An ELISA is available to determine the level of Ostertagia ostertagi antibodies in milk samples.
An AGID test is used to measure the level of total IgG in serum samples.
This respiratory package covers 8 viral and bacterial pathogens. It can be run on respiratory swabs, BAL and tissue samples. The test is an alternative to IFAT testing for viral antigens and bacterial culture.
The targets detected are:
BoHV-1 (causative agent of IBR)
PI3
RSV
Bovine coronavirus
Mycoplasma bovis
Histophilus somni
Pasteurella multocida
Mannheimia haemolytica
Farm Animal Diagnostics - Ovine
The test detects antibodies in the host sheep to a protein found in the sheep scab mite and not in other common parasites, such as lice. It can be used to detect evidence of exposure to scab mites and can pick up infestation in the early stages. Biobest have evaluated the test and have used it in a number of different flock types (lowland, upland, hill, with / without common grazing) to determine how it may best be applied. When used to test 12 sheep per flock the test can provide useful insight into flock status.
Border disease is tested for by both ELISA and PCR. Samples for PCR can be tested either individually or as a pool of up to 10 samples. Our preferred sample type is serum (red top tube).
Antibodies to Mycobacterium paratuberculosis are detected by and ISO:17025 accredited ELISA. Suitable samples for test include serum, plasma, individual or bulk milk samples. We also offer Johne's PCR on faecal samples and bulk milk to confirm the presence of MAP, this test is also ISO:17025 accredited.
Maedi Visna (MV) Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE) antibodies are tested for by ELISA. Our preferred sample type is serum (red top tube).
Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is tested for by ELISA fortnightly, please call to check testing dates. Our preferred sample type is serum (red top tube).
An ELISA is available for the detection of antibodies to Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke). Suitable samples include serum, plasma and milk. We also offer a faecal coproantigen test for liver fluke in sheep and cattle.
Individual or pooled worm egg counts can be used to assess worm burden. Guide for sample collection can be found here.
Farm Animal Diagnostics - Porcine
We offer a range of porcine serology tests for contract customers including PRRS serology and PCR, and serology for M. Hyopneumonia and Swine Influenza.
Farm Animal Diagnostics - Caprine
Antibodies to Mycobacterium paratuberculosis are detected by and ISO:17025 accredited ELISA. Suitable samples for test include serum, plasma, individual or bulk milk samples. We also offer Johne's PCR on faecal samples and bulk milk to confirm the presence of MAP, this test is also ISO:17025 accredited. It may also be used as an additional test for animals entering a Johne's accredited herd.