Training and resources
As a World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) reference laboratory, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) carries out research and surveillance activities for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs).
This covers a wide range of areas, including test procedures, clinical tests, and methods and protocols for testing, sampling and diagnosis.
Training in confirmatory diagnostic methods
On request, APHA offers training on TSE and related diagnostic methods.
APHA also considers visitors for short training placements, usually lasting 1 to 2 weeks. During these visits, participants can observe routine confirmatory diagnostic laboratory procedures and review historical material. See Training at the NRL for more details.
APHA does not offer training in rapid test methods, but can offer support and consultancy.
Sending samples for confirmatory testing
If you do not have experience in WB or IHC techniques, you can send samples to an experienced, competent laboratory for confirmatory testing. For example:
your country’s national reference laboratory (NRL)
The European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) for TSE
a World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) reference laboratory for TSE
As a WOAH reference laboratory for scrapie and BSE, we accept referrals of samples for confirmatory and discriminatory testing. Please see WOAH reference laboratory for more information about our international remit.
TSE proficiency testing schemes
VETQAS is APHA's independent, accredited, proficiency testing service provided by the APHA’s Quality Assurance Unit (QAU).
It is ISO/IEC 17043 accredited.
VETQAS provides proficiency testing schemes for veterinary laboratories including:
commercial bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and scrapie rapid testing schemes
genotyping and technical immunohistochemistry schemes
Find out more about VETQAS proficiency testing.
Reference material
APHA resources
Strain characterisation handbook: TSE in small ruminants
Guidelines for the detection of CWD in cervids.
Clinical signs of TSEs in cattle, sheep and goats (APHA resource)
Other resources
External links to other training opportunities and reference materials