Working for public and animal health
Bluetongue testing
Instructions to vets for bluetongue testing for pre-movement (UK) or export purposes
VLA has worked in collaboration with the Institute of Animal Health at Pirbright to introduce the PCR test for bluetongue virus.
This test is available, via veterinary surgeons, for pre-movement (UK) and export testing purposes only.
Prices of PCR tests:
- single sample submitted - £30.
- 2 to 9 samples submitted - £25 per sample.
- 10+ samples submitted - £22.50 per sample.
Price of ELISA test:
- £4.50 per sample.
These prices include the cost of up to two re-tests, if required, as defined in the approved testing protocols.
For further instructions, see the following sections:
Submission forms
All samples for bluetongue testing for pre-movement (UK) or export purposes must be submitted to the VLA.
Samples submitted to the Pirbright laboratory for testing for pre-movement (UK) or export purposes will not be tested.
PCR samples must be submitted using the:
ELISA samples must be submitted using the:
- Any samples submitted not using these forms will not be tested for bluetongue.
- No tests, other than for bluetongue, will be carried out on samples submitted using these forms.
- If tests for diseases, other than bluetongue, are needed on the same animal, please supply additional sample(s) and submit them using the appropriate submission forms.
Samples
- For antibody ELISA testing please provide one six ml clotted blood sample (red top tube) per animal tested. This must be provided in a barcoded tube.
- A copy of the barcode must be affixed to the submission form alongside the animal’s unique identification number.
- For PCR testing please provide one six ml EDTA sample, (purple top tube) per animal tested. There is no need to use a barcoded tube.
- Important - mix the tube well by gentle inversion immediately after taking the sample.
- All samples must be sent to the address on the submission form, not to a VLA Regional Laboratory.
- Please write ‘Bluetongue Pre-Movement samples’ clearly on the outside of the box containing the samples.
- Please ensure that the samples are packed in the same order in the box as they are on the submission form.
Any sample not complying with these requirements will not be tested.
Tests
- All samples will be tested according to the appropriate approved VLA testing protocol.
- At the end of the testing process ELISA samples will be classified as either ‘negative’, ‘positive’ or ‘inconclusive’ (or ‘unsuitable for testing’).
- At the end of the testing process PCR samples will be classified as either ‘negative’ or ‘positive’(or ‘unsuitable for testing’).
Test turnaround time
- The maximum turnaround for both the ELISA and the PCR tests is seven working days. This allows time for re-testing, in line with the approved protocol, in those cases where this is required. We will endeavour to report the majority of results within five working days or less.
- Test turnaround time is the time taken from receipt of the sample at the laboratory to the reporting of the result to the submitting veterinary surgeon. This does not include the time the sample is in transit to the laboratory.
- No movement of individual animals should be agreed before a test result has been received.
- The laboratories will try to report results in the shortest possible time. However if many samples are received in the laboratory at one time the test turnaround time may be longer.
Results
- Animals testing ‘negative’ will be eligible for movement/export under the scheme.
- Animals receiving a ‘positive’ result will not be eligible for movement.
- Animals testing ‘inconclusive’ may be re-bled and tested under a new submission which should be requested separately. No further testing will be carried out on a sample once it has been reported on by VLA. A period of 10 to 14 days should be allowed to elapse between the two sample dates.
- Please note that there will be an extra charge for a resubmission.
VLA is required by law to provide details of all animals testing ‘positive’ or ‘inconclusive’ to Defra.
Reporting results
- All results will be reported by fax or e-mail to the submitting veterinary practice.
- You must inform the livestock keeper of the results in writing and forward a certified copy for his records.
Invoices
For further information about the test please contact us:
Tel: +44 (0)1932 357335
Fax: +44 (0)1932 357838