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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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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.