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FAQ
Q: What kinds of tests do you do?
FarmLab Diagnostics carry out analysis on animal samples to monitor for a range of diseases and animal health related issues. We analyze samples for infectious and parasitic disease, mineral deficiencies and metabolic problems
Q: Do you have a list of all the tests you do?
This can be found here.
Q: What is the turnaround time on testing?
Most tests have a turnaround time of 2-3 days. Some less commonly performed tests are carried out once a week. If you have queries on the turnaround time for particular tests, or have queries in relation to urgent testing requirements, please contact us at contact page.
Q: Do you carry out testing on ear notch samples for BVD?
FarmLab Diagnostics are accredited to carry out BVD testing on samples taken using any of the approved tissue tags in Ireland.
Q: What is BVD?
BVD is a viral disease which infects cattle. The disease is spread when a persistently infected (PI) animal comes in contact with other cattle. The infection is particularly harmful to pregnant cows or heifers. Infection of a pregnant cow or heifer can result in the birth of a persistently infected (PI) calf. PI calves can be diagnosed by taking an ear notch sample from the calf using a tissue tag from an approved tissue tag supplier here.
Q: How much does it cost to test BVD ear notch samples?
The standard price for BVD testing is €3.75 per sample. Discounts are available for large numbers of samples or samples from herds with Negative Herd Status. Contact us for more details. More information on negative herd status can be found here.
Q: How much does it cost to send BVD samples or other samples to the lab.
The cost of postage varies. Advice on postage of BVD samples and postage rates can be found at on the Animal Health Ireland website.
For general information on postage rates visit the An Post website.
Q: How do I get results for my BVD ear notch tests.
Results are sent by text message from the ICBF.
Contact icbf.com for more details or contact the BVD helpline for more information 076 106 4590.
Q: What is Tick Borne Fever and how do I test for it.
Tick Borne fever is a blood borne disease spread from ticks to cattle or sheep. Affected cattle can have a high temperature, reduced milk yield and inappetence.
The disease can be diagnosed by using a PCR test available at FarmLab Diagnostics. Blood samples must be taken with an EDTA tube.
Q: Can you diagnose if a cow is pregnant from a blood or milk sample?
Yes you can. A blood or milk sample can be used to detect Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs). These PAGs can be detected in a blood or milk sample from 30 days of pregnancy. Milk samples should be taken using a sample tube containming preservative. Sample kits are available from FarmLab Diagnostics
Q: Which parasites can be detected in a faecal sample from cattle or sheep?
Faecal examination is used to detect infection with many parasitic species in animals. In general evidence of infection will only be detected once the infection has been established and the parasites have matured to adulthood. The length of time from infection to maturity of parasites varies depending on the parasite in question.
For example in the case of gutworm in sheep, it can be 3 weeks, whereas liver fluke in cattle can take 3-4 months to reach maturity. More information about parasites and testing for parasites is available on the Animal Health Ireland website.