Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Monday, 2 June 2008.

Bovine Tuberculosis

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:What peer-reviewed scientific advice they have received in recent years about the accuracy and reliability of tests for bovine tuberculosis.

Answer: The two tests currently used in Britain and other developed countries for the antemortem diagnosis of TB in cattle are the tuberculin skin test (the primary screening test) and the gamma interferon blood test (the ancillary test). Both tests have been subjected to extensive validation and research work published by British and foreign authors in international peer-reviewed journals over many years, and as a result, they have been officially recognised by the EU Commission and the OIE (International Animal Health Organisation). The Government receive advice on the specific applications and performance of the tests in Britain from specialists within Defra (including the Veterinary Laboratory Agency (VLA)), independent experts and, previously, from the former Independent Scientific Group (ISG) on cattle TB. These advisers are all familiar with, and are regular contributors to, the peer-reviewed scientific literature on this subject. Additionally, all the research on the gamma interferon test conducted at VLA's TB research group (an internationally renowned centre of excellence in this particular field) is peer reviewed at the proposal and final report stages. All projects are also reviewed at least every five years by external experts as part of Defra's science programme review.

Secondary information