Badgers, zoo animals and exotic species: TB antibody test package
Source: gov.uk (2025-06-24)

Use this form to submit samples to test for Mycobacterium bovis antibodies using the DPP Vet TB lateral flow test.

Vets and research scientists can use this form to submit serum samples from badgers, zoo animals and other exotic species to test for Mycobacterium bovis antibodies.

M.bovis is the bovine tuberculosis (TB) bacterium.

Testing is carried out by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Before you carry out any testing, you must apply for consent to undertake private TB testing of a non-bovine species (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/664ccca5f34f9b5a56adcbcb/TN184.docx) using the attached TN184 form.

It is a legal requirement to receive written consent prior to performing a test, and then to report the results of that test.

Fees, test codes and turnaround times

You can find the cost for the TC0611 DPP Vet TB lateral flow antibody test (https://science.vla.gov.uk/Tests/SearchResults.aspx?SiteName=CDT&Search=TC0611&PriceListCategoryId=0) on the APHA scientific price list.

Taking samples

Submit one clotted blood or serum sample per animal.

The minimum volume needed for the test is 200ul of serum.

Submitting samples

You must follow the rules for packaging and sending pathological material (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-pack-and-label-samples-for-submission-to-apha).

Complete the form in full. Your results may be delayed if you do not provide all the required information.

You must include a signed TN184 form granting permission to carry out private TB testing. Testing will be delayed if you do not.

Send your completed submission form, signed TN184 form, and sample to:

TB Serology DepartmentStarcross VICStaplake MountStarcrossDevonEX6 8PE

How to pay

You enter into a contract with APHA when the Veterinary Investigation Centre receives your sample and submission form.

You will be sent an invoice with instructions on how to set up an account to make payment. You must pay within 28 days of the date of invoice. APHA reserves the right to withhold services for accounts in arrears.

See our general terms and conditions (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apha-standard-terms-and-conditions) that apply to testing where no specific contract is signed.

Receiving your test results

Check the price list for the maximum processing time for each test.

Test results are returned as soon as possible. If you need the findings urgently, you should include this on the form.

Reports are sent by email. You can ask for the report to be sent by post. Reports sent by special delivery will result in extra charges and you will need to ask the centre for this service. You can also ask that results are sent to someone else.

Confirm a test report’s validity

You can check that a previous test report was issued by APHA. You will need to provide a scan or photo of the report. Contact APHA Starcross.

TB sampling in zoological collections

For further information about performing TB testing in zoos, refer to:
- requirements for carrying out TB testing in zoological collections (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/requirements-for-carrying-out-tb-testing-in-zoological-collections)
- charging for submitting tissue samples for TB testing from animals kept in zoos and safari parks (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/charging-for-submitting-tissue-samples-for-tb-testing-from-animals-kept-in-zoos-and-safari-parks)
Best practice for rehabilitation of badgers in England

For best practice guidance on the rehabilitation of badgers, refer to the Badger Rehabilitation Protocol on TB Hub (https://tbhub.co.uk/tb-in-wildlife/tb-in-badgers/badger-rehabilitation/).

Contact APHA

To contact APHA Starcross:

Email: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) Telephone: xx-xxxx-xxxx