Defra Announces PCR Test for bTB Identification in Pigs

Pig Farmers are delighted to hear about Defra’s quicker testing methods to diagnose bovine tuberculosis. This will in turn shorten the period droves are constrained owing to suspected instances of TB.

From the end of this month, PCR tests will be put into action. This will reduce the lead time from between 6-22 weeks via the current method of traditional microbiological culture, to just 3 weeks via PCR.

Defra explained that PCR testing reduces detection time of M. bovis using “tissue samples taken from carcases at post-mortem inspection.” So, “if the PCR test results are negative, and check testing has been completed where required, APHA will be able to lift herd movement restrictions sooner. If the PCR test results are positive, APHA will be able to inform the keeper and their private vet quickly, so that further action can be taken to control TB in the affected herd.”

Chief Executive of the National Pig Association, Zoe Davies commented: “This will ease the burden for those unfortunate enough to have a suspect identified at slaughter. We put a lot of pressure on Defra to resolve the situation and highlighted the additional impact that restrictions were causing on top of the current pig industry crisis.”