A NEW lateral flow test, similar to those used to identify Covid, could offer farmers another biosecurity tool against bovine TB.
The test, bTBscreen+, is not yet on the market, but is a rapid test for identifying bovine TB in cattle, and has been designed to be done by the farmer or herd manager without the need for laboratory equipment.
Nicky Bowden, a qualified vet at Nantwich Vets, and a board member of the British Cattle Veterinary Association, said the rapid test could be a potential biosecurity tool for farmers, although the test would need to have a high degree of specificity and sensitivity to ensure results could be relied upon.
She envisaged that it would help with cattle movements, rather than regular testing of the whole herd.
