Information
Approved Laboratories List
Only approved laboratories may transfer results to the AHWNI database for use in the Northern Ireland BVD eradication programme.
List of Laboratories Approved to test tissue or blood samples from cattle born in NI (Last updated 21.07.2021)
List of Laboratories Approved for Recognition of test results for cattle born in other jurisdictions (Last updated 31.08.18)
Laboratory Approval Process
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) recognises that the provision of accurate, timely and cost-effective laboratory services is a critical component of the Northern Ireland BVD eradication programme.
The accompanying three documents lay down the criteria on which laboratories may apply for approval, the terms and conditions relating to laboratory approval and an application form for laboratories wishing to be considered for approval. Applications for approval may be submitted at any time. However, depending on whether or not a given laboratory has satisfactorily participated in a previous Technical Exercise (TE), it may be necessary to align applications with successful completion of future TEs.
Laboratories wishing to be approved should return the completed application form accompanied by all necessary supporting documentation to:
Laboratory Approval
Animal Health Strategy &TSE Branch
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)
Ballykelly House
111 Ballykelly Rd
Ballykelly
Limavady
BT49 9HP
Electronic copies of the application form, all necessary supporting documentation and all queries relating to laboratory approval should be submitted to: BVD.policy@daera-ni.gov.uk
Application for Laboratory Approval to test tissue or blood samples from cattle born in NI (Last updated 31.08.18)
Application for Laboratory Approval for Recognition of test results for cattle born in other jurisdictions (Last updated 31.08.18)
Cover Letter (Last updated 31.08.18)
Guidance Note for Application for Laboratory Approval to test tissue or blood samples from cattle born in NI (Last updated 31.08.18)
Guidance Note for Application for Laboratory Approval for Recognition of test results for cattle born in other jurisdictions (last updated 31.08.18)
Disclaimer
No biological test is 100% accurate. If an inaccurate result is suspected, the animal should be isolated and re-tested.
All designated laboratories are independently accredited for BVD testing and the test methods used (ELISA or RT-PCR) will, in the great majority of cases, accurately detect the presence or absence of virus in tissue and blood samples when submitted and tested correctly. However, results relate only to the sample as received by the laboratory and, whilst laboratories warrant that their tests will meet their applicable declared specifications, the laboratories make no other warranty, expressed or implied and accept no responsibility or liability in respect of false results which are within the limits of the declared specifications of the tests offered. No representation or warranty is given by AHWNI, AFBI, the Technical Working Group, the Implementation Group or any member, employee or other person connected with any of the foregoing bodies as to the accuracy of any BVD test methods or test results. Neither AHWNI, AFBI, the Technical Working Group, the Implementation Group nor any member, employee or other person connected with any of the foregoing bodies shall have any liability or responsibility in respect of any laboratory or the accuracy of any test methods, test results or reports produced by any laboratory.
