Farming News - Animal Plant And Health Agency (APHA): New project explores digital future for bovine TB testing
News
Animal Plant And Health Agency (APHA): New project explores digital future for bovine TB testing
A new collaboration between APHA, The Roslin Institute and the UK Agri-Tech Centre is exploring how modernising one of the oldest tools in bovine TB testing - the handheld calliper used in SICCT skin tests -could improve the accuracy, consistency and efficiency of bTB surveillance in Great Britain.
The project found strong support from vets and TB testers for digital, pressure-controlled callipers capable of reducing operator variability, automating data capture and integrating directly with herd management and reporting systems.
The findings set out a roadmap for future innovation in bTB testing, with potential to reduce human error, improve transparency and support more effective disease control for cattle farmers.
More information can be found on the APHA Science Blog here - Innovating for better bTB surveillance: how collaboration is shaping the future of calliper technology – APHA Science Blog