Clinical, sub-clinical and high SCC milk samples can be analysed for mastitis pathogens at a very competitive price. Antibiotic sensitivity testing is available and should be indicated on the submission form if required.

It is essential that the correct sampling technique is used as poor technique is likely to result in contamination making organism identification and interpretation difficult.

Please refer to our milk sampling routine document for guidance. Samples can be sent to the laboratory by standard post.

DOWNLOAD Individual Bacteriology Submission Form

This is a recent technique developed by the laboratory useful in assessing teat preparation and parlour hygiene.

The effectiveness of the various automated or manual ‘cluster flush‘ techniques and the overall impact on cross-infection within the milking parlour and the effect on mastitis incidence is analysed.

The test involves swabbing of liners and culture to produce a quantitative and qualitative assessment of bacterial load on liners. Results have produced some very useful findings especially when monitoring manual ‘cluster flush ‘ systems.

DOWNLOAD Liner Swabs Submission Form and Guidance

On many dairy farms the widespread use of bore-holes for water supplies has resulted in hygiene issues leading to bactoscan problems. Monitoring for potential groundwater contamination can also be indicated.

The analysis involves enumeration of these bacteria

• Streptococcus sp.
• Coliforms
• Pseudomonas sp.
• Thermodurics

DOWNLOAD BULK TANK SUBMISSION FORM

Testing the water supply for Coliforms and E.coli

Johnes (Mycobacterium Paratuberculosis Antibody) is a chronic illness causing causing progressive weight loss, reduced milk production and diarrhoea.

It is present in the faeces and colostrum of infected animals and can survive more than a year in the environment.

DOWNLOAD Bovine submission form

The increasing threat of anthelmintic resistance and the cost of treatment both in conventional and organic systems has highlighted the importance of veterinary parasitology, allowing targeted use of appropriate anthelmintics and avoidance of costly unnecessary treatments with incorrect medicines.

Sheep farms following the SCOPS guidelines can use the WEC tests to reduce anthelmintic usage and carry out monitoring of wormer efficacy.

Examinations available include

Poultry worm egg counts(WEC) and coccidial oocyst counts
Cattle and sheep WEC
Calf and lamb WEC and coccidial oocyst counts
Equine WEC
Examination of skin scrapes and hair plucks for mites and lice

[ e.g sheep scab and sarcoptic mange in cattle, red mite in poultry]

DOWNLOAD BOVINE SUBMISSION FORM