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New test detects Johne’s disease in day-old calves
The trial proves that early detection of live MAP infection is possible.
Researchers assess effectiveness of new Actiphage system 

Researchers have developed a new diagnostic system that can reliably detect Johne’s disease in the blood of day-old calves.  

The Actiphage system, unveiled at the European Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (EAVLD) Congress, can identify live mycobacterial infection in a range of tissue types, including blood and faeces.

Current tests for Johne’s disease only allow the reliable detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in 18-24 month calves and are unable to distinguish between active and passive infection.

In a 16-month trial, researchers tested PBD Biotech’s Actiphage Rapid Kit and Biosellal’s Bio-T Kit on calves from three different herds. The calves were born from MAP-positive and MAP negative calves, and the tests were carried out on both blood and faeces samples.

Researchers found that the Actiphage system could identify live MAP infection at least four weeks earlier than the faecal PCR in 75 per cent of cases. In one case, the new diagnostic detected MAP in the blood of a one-day-old calf born from a MAP-positive cow.

Researchers say the trial proves that early detection of live MAP infection is possible, and paves the way for improved Johne’s disease monitoring and control measures on farms.

Co-Author Dr Ben Swift, R&D Director at PBD Biotech, explains, “Young animals are highly susceptible to infection and being able to identify Johne’s disease at this early stage is key to controlling disease spread.

"The trial showed that the sensitivity and specificity of Actiphage enables detection of lower levels of MAP than the current culture methods, and provides results in six hours rather than weeks.”

Claire Pelletier, Directrice Générale of BioDev, consultant to Biosellal, adds: “The study showed that two calves, identified as MAP-positive by Actiphage-PCR on blood during the first monthly sampling didn’t shed MAP into their faeces until 10 and 11 months. This emphasises that early detection provides a short window of time that allow for control of the disease.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.