New test could halt the scourge of sheep scab
A new rapid diagnostic test for identifying sheep scab infections – which would mark a major step forward in efforts to control a disease which has long been a scourge – could be commercially available by the end of the year.
Dr Stewart Burgess of Edinburgh’ s More dun Institute said that work is well advanced on developing an accurate test which can identify the disease even before symptoms become obvious without the time -consuming task of sending samples to a laboratory.
And the institute has announced that it is partnering with point-ofcare veterinary diagnostic company G lob alDX to complete the develop - ment and validation of the blood sampling technique with the hop e of getting it on to the market before this year’s peak threat during the autumn sales.
Burgess said that its use by vets would mean that there could be earlier intervention and treatment of infected flocks, reducing delays which often lead to further spread of a disease caused by infestation with the parasitic mitePs or opt esov is–and which costs the sheep industry upwards of £14 million a year. He said that for control or eradication programmes to be successful, it was crucial that all infested animals we reid en tified as quickly as possible, including sub-clinical cases.
“Results from a penside diagnostic are almost immediate, the new test format will, therefore, significantly speed up the testing process,” said Burgess.
He added that, using antibody detection, the test could accurately detect an infestation was due to the scab mite and not another ectoparasite such as lice.
“And putting the tests in the hands of vets who can give an accurate diagnosis at the pen-side will either allow treatments to be star ted immediate - ly or save on costly medicines should it be shown that scab isn’t the cause,” he added.
Recognising that costeffectiveness would be crucial to its uptake, Burgess suggested a test would cost in the region of £5 a head, although several animals would need to be tested, plus the services of the vet.
He said that partners Global DX had significant experience in the development and commercialisation of point-of-care tests for the veterinary market.
Founder and CEO of Global DX, the appositely named Andrew Shepherd said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Moredun to bring the new test to market enabling the sheep industry to combat sheep scab infestation in their flocks.”