Ground-breaking scientific research aimed at detecting TB in cattle will take place after five projects were awarded a combined investment of £500,000 in August 2020. The programme run by Defra on behalf of England, Scotland and Wales, will fund innovative research projects using cutting-edge technologies aimed at detecting TB infection in cattle herds faster. Five schemes, led by various leading research institutes, have been selected to receive up to £100,000 each for up to 12 months for proof of concept research. These research proposals will use a range of new concepts and technologies which aim to detect TB in cattle, including:
- machine learning for improved interpretation of the tuberculin skin test
- rapid and increased sensitivity test to determine TB status
- mass spectrometry profiling of non-invasive cattle samples (mainly saliva or nasal fluids), to accurately detect TB at early infection stage
- mid-infrared spectroscopy of milk samples as a rapid and accurate non-invasive tool for monitoring the TB status in a cattle herd
- identifying novel diagnostic antigens to underpin a future test for Detecting Infected amongst Vaccinated Animals (DIVA)
Find out more about completed and ongoing bovine TB research and development projects in the pages below.
