Vets: laboratory requirements for sheep
Published 19 June 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:
- ISO/IEC 17025 accredited
- UKAS accredited (UK accredited) for a worm egg count
- is part of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) VetQAS worm eggs count proficiency scheme and has provided results defined by the z-score as satisfactory
Endemic disease follow-up
The laboratories you use should follow the SCOPS testing guidance. They should also meet one or more 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
Recommended laboratories
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 600016
Email: carmarthen@apha.gov.uk and carmarthenvicparasitology@apha.gov.uk
You should send requests to both email addresses.
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 26 28
Email: enquiry@biobest.co.uk
Website: biobest.co.uk
Techion UK (FECPAK)
AIEC Office
Gogerddan Campus
Aberystwyth
Ceredigion
SY23 3EE
Telephone: 01970 821 918
Email: uk@techion.com
Website: techion.com