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New PCR test for bovine mycoplasma
qPCR test to improve diagnosis of mycoplasma bovis

A new qPCR test has been made available to improve the diagnosis of mastitis and respiratory disease caused by bovine mycoplasma.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kit is reportedly based on a new target gene in the Mycoplasma Bovis (M. bovis) genome. It will therefore be easier to distinguish between infections caused by M. bovis and M. agalactiae, reducing the risk of false positives, and allowing for improved sensitivity and specificity.

The test system is also said to incorporate a number of improvements which simplify and speed up processing in the laboratory, including automatic extraction using magnetic bead technology.

The new test is based on real-time PCR technology, delivering results in two and a half hours. Speaking of the launch of the new test, Eric Sellal, Head of Animal Health EMEA at Life Technologies said: "The improved sensitivity of this new test means that veterinarians will be able to monitor dairy herds for sub-clinical infection using samples from the bulk tank.

"And of course it can also be used to diagnose mycoplasma infection in individual cases of clinical mastitis and respiratory disease," he adds.

Estimates suggest that bovine pneumonia costs the European industry around €500 million every year, with 30 per cent of this down to M. bovis. The organism is also associated with other disease including mastitis and arthritis. As mycoplasma is slow and difficult to culture in the laboratory, and current antibiotic treatment is not very cost-effective, prevention is a cornerstone of M. bovis management.

The TaqVet Mycoplasma Bovis PCR kit will be made available in other EU countries and via Life Technologies Animal Health distributors according to local regulatory requirements.

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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.