NI farmers are being reminded that diagnostic tests for the main respiratory diseases in cattle are available at the Agri Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).

Accurate diagnosis of pneumonia issues in cattle are needed to get a targeted treatment in place. It also allows for effective steps to be taken to prevent further outbreaks, such as by using vaccines.

AFBI state that their “highly sensitive” tests can detect the presence of Bovine Respiratory Syncytial virus (BRSV), Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) and Parainfluenza virus type 3 (PI3).

The tests require samples to be taken of nasal mucus or respiratory tissue, or else swabs can be taken of the animal’s airways.

Only one sample type is required for testing, but a sample should be submitted from each individual animal that is suspected of having a problem.

It costs £22 to test for RSV and PI3. A test which covers IBR, RSV and PI3 costs £35.