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NML Johne's test gets full UKAS accreditation

The Johne's disease testing service run by National Milk Laboratories (NML) has been granted full UKAS accreditation. The NML laboratory at Wolverhampton uses a milk antibody ELISA test for the presence of antibodies against the Johne's-causing bacteria Mycobacterium avium subspecices paratuberculosis, commonly known as MAP.

United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS) audit the laboratory, methods and procedures used to ensure they adhere to recognised national or international standards.

"The NMR group - which includes NML - has many laboratory facilities accredited with UKAS but this is the first time the NML Johne's disease testing service has gained UKAS recognition and it makes it one of only a few in the country to be officially recognised as offering a service that adheres to these high standards," says NMR director Ben Bartlett.

For the past two years NML Wolverhampton has co-operated and performed very well in two annual MAP international ring trials - the MAP milk ring trial and the MAP blood sera ring trial - run by Dutch company Animal Health Service Deventer.

"The scrutiny of an external body is viewed as a very important part of our service and verifies that our systems, equipment and procedures meet the standards required," adds Mr Bartlett.

"Producers and vets can use the NML Johne's disease testing service for milk or blood samples with great confidence, knowing that the complete test from the arrival of samples to the dissemination of results is carried out to a nationally recognised level. Attaining top accreditations is an important part of our work as it reflects the company's commitment to quality standards."

ENDS

For more information contact:
Ben Bartlett, 07974 313269 benb@nmr.co.uk
Karen Wright, 01780 767222 karen@karenwrightpr.com