US scientist develops new bovine tuberculosis test

A new test for bovine tuberculosis (TB) has been developed by Dr. William Davis, professor in the Washington State University (WSU) Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology.

The test can detect up to 25 antigens at once and could one day replace current skin and gamma interferon tissue culture tests, according to the WSU.

The new test can make early diagnosis of the disease easier, quicker and more accurately than previous tests.

"Our test can provide results in a matter of hours rather than days with current methods," Davis said. "It also has increased specificity and is highly sensitive, so there are fewer false positives."

There are no current plans to license the test in the US, WSU added.