News story

Use the online testing service to help APHA tackle animal disease

Join the other Vet practices and start submitting animal sample data and request laboratory tests online.

Cows in a field

Since the introduction of our well-established digital service, Vets have been able to submit animal sample data and request laboratory tests online from wherever they are in the field via the APHA’s Animal Disease Testing Service.

It has saved time and work for vets, supported earlier diagnosis of diseases and improved access to sample results.

It has also helped vets support their farm clients and tackle animal disease faster. Costs have been reduced due to the new free postage feature.

It has enabled APHA to receive vital disease surveillance information quicker.

The service was designed and built around the needs of vets themselves following user acceptance testing which was carried out by a selection of veterinary practices. More than a quarter of practices in England and Wales are already experiencing the benefits of ADTS.

Dr Kirsty Line, Head of Surveillance and Laboratory Services said:

“Since its introduction, ADTS has provided practices better flexibility to submit animal sample data and improved access to results.

“This supports APHA by diagnosing animal diseases faster.

“The free postage feature, introduced in 2019, further reduces costs and additional work carried out by practices.

Private Vets who would like to use this service can register at https://www.gov.uk/animal-disease-testing. Alternatively, vets can email AnimalDiseaseTesting@apha.gov.uk or contact their Veterinary Investigation Centre.

Published 19 May 2021