Camelids: TB antibody test package (TN186)
Use this form to submit samples to test for Mycobacterium bovis antibodies in new world camelids including llamas and alpacas.
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
Documents
Details
Vets can use this form to submit samples from new world camelids, including llamas and alpacas, to test for Mycobacterium bovis antibodies.
Testing is carried out by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Before you carry out any testing, you must apply for consent to undertake private TB testing of a non-bovine species using the attached form.
It is a legal requirement to receive written consent prior to performing a test, and then to report the results of that test.
Tests, costs and turnaround times
The test is a combined camelid IDEXX ELISA and DPP vet TB test in either clotted blood or serum samples.
This test has a serial (high specificity) interpretation, and both test components must be positive to generate an overall positive test result.
Combine the costs of the individual tests on the APHA Scientific price list for the total price:
APHA does not offer private Enferplex testing.
Taking samples
Submit one clotted blood or serum sample per animal.
The minimum volume needed for the test is 200ul of serum.
Submitting samples
Contact Starcross Veterinary Investigation Centre (VIC) a minimum of 7 days before submitting samples. Failure to do so could lead to a delay in testing.
You must include a signed TN184 form granting permission to carry out private TB testing. Testing will be delayed if you do not.
Send your completed submission form, signed TN184 form, and sample to:
TB Serology Department
Starcross VIC
Staplake Mount
Starcross
Devon
EX6 8PE
You need to complete all relevant fields on the form. Ensure that you:
- select the box to indicate that permission has been sought from APHA to run the test
- include the reason for the test
- indicate whether the animal has been primed with tuberculin 10 to 30 days prior to bleeding. Failure to prime will reduce the sensitivity of the test.
You must follow the rules for packaging and sending pathological material.
How to pay
You enter into a contract with APHA when the lab receives your sample and submission form.
An invoice will be sent to you with instructions on how to set up an account to make payment.
See the general terms and conditions that apply to testing where no specific contract is signed.
Receiving your test results
Check the price list for the maximum processing time for each test.
Test results are returned as soon as possible. If you need the findings urgently, you should include this on the form.
Reports are sent by email. You can ask for the report to be sent by post. Reports sent by special delivery will result in extra charges and you will need to ask the centre for this service. You can also ask that results are sent to someone other than yourself.
Confirm a test report’s validity
You can check that a previous test report was issued by APHA. You will need to provide a scan or photo of the report. Contact Starcross Veterinary Investigation Centre.
Contact APHA
To contact APHA Starcross:
Email: starcross@apha.gov.uk
Telephone: 03000 600 020