Guidance

Vets: laboratory requirements for sheep

Updated 14 October 2024

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2024

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sheep-testing-required-for-an-annual-health-and-welfare-review-and-endemic-disease-follow-up/vets-laboratory-requirements-for-sheep

Laboratory specifications

Animal health and welfare review

The laboratories you use should follow the sustainable control of parasites in sheep (SCOPS) testing guidance. A farmer will not be eligible for review funding unless the laboratory also meets at least one of these specifications:

Endemic disease follow-up

The laboratories you use should meet at least one of the following specifications:

  • ISO/IEC 17025 accredited
  • UKAS accredited (UK accredited)

If you have a question about laboratories or are an accredited laboratory and want to be added to the list, contact the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

Email: ruralpayments@defra.gov.uk Telephone: 03000 200 301

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm, except bank holidays

Find out about call charges.

These are the recommended laboratories for the review as they meet the specifications listed above. RPA does not recommend specific labs for follow-ups, but they must meet the specifications listed.

APHA Carmarthen Veterinary Investigation Centre

Job’s Well Road
Johnstown
Carmarthen
SA31 3EZ

Telephone: 03000 600 016
Email: carmarthen@apha.gov.uk and carmarthenvicparasitology@apha.gov.uk
You should send requests to both email addresses.

Axiom Veterinary Laboratories

The Manor House
Brunel Road
Newton Abbot
TQ12 4PB

Telephone: 01626 355 655
Email: admin@axiomvetlab.com and dsfarm@axionvetlab.com
Website: axiomvetlab.com

Biobest Laboratories

Contact Biobest Laboratories and tell them the testing is for ’Get funding to improve animal health and welfare‘. They’ll provide the submission forms and sampling kits you must use.

6 Charles Darwin House
The Edinburgh Technopole
Milton Bridge
EH26 0PY

Telephone: 0131 440 2628
Email: enquiry@biobest.co.uk
Website: biobest.co.uk

Sandhill Veterinary Services Ltd.

BBP House
14 Keld Close
Barker Buisness Park
Melmerby
Ripon, N Yorks
HG4 5NB

Telephone: 01845 578 710
Email: admin@sandhillvet.co.uk

Techion UK (FECPAK)

AIEC Office
Gogerddan Campus
Aberystwyth
Ceredigion
SY23 3EE

Telephone: 01970 821 918
Email: uk@techion.com
Website: techion.com

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