The Contract Research Organisation (CRO) now seeks to work with interested farmers and veterinary practices to support the field trials on suitable farms that meet the inclusion criteria.

The criteria

The first phase of the project aims to determine the safety and specificity of the DIVA test in TB-free herds in the Low Risk Area of England and the Low TB Incidence Area in Wales. Phase one of the trial requires between five and ten farms to participate. In addition, the following herd criteria need to be met:

• Officially TB Free for 8 years or more.
• Not in a current TB hotspot or in a radial or contiguous testing regime.
• TB test window of May – October 2021 or willing to undertake an additional private TB test on selected trial animals.
• Approximate herd size of 60+ animals.
• Availability of the same practice vet to visit the herd every day for two weeks.
• Ideally, a closed herd or with minimal purchases (eg, stock bull only).

If you are interested in taking part in this crucial research project and believe you have a suitable farm that meets the inclusion criteria, please contact Dr Lindsay Heasman, by emailing lindsay.heasman@eandj.co.uk. Details of contractual arrangements will follow on enquiry.