Actiphage is a new diagnostic from PBD Biotech that provides a rapid, highly specific and sensitive assay for the cost-effective detection of live mycobacteria in blood and milk.
Mycobacteria are the cause of a number of diseases in cattle and other species, such as bovine TB and Johne’s disease, which not only affect animal health but have a significant economic impact on the dairy industry. Hence the need for regular blood and milk testing, to detect, monitor and manage herd-level infection.
Bulk milk testing with Actiphage can detect 1-2 cells in 50ml of milk providing a high level of confidence in the quality of milk. Results are available in hours enabling the rapid detection and identification of infected herds and individuals.
A survey* of retail purchased semi-skimmed pasteurised milk for MAP showed that 10% contained viable cells, showing it can evade pasteurisation.
Actiphage has been successfully used to detect live mycobacteria in raw milk, pasteurised milk, powdered infant formula, cheese and in the blood of infected animals.
International trials of Actiphage are underway.
Bulk milk testing for MAP
PBD Biotech provides a bulk milk testing service for MAP. Contact us to find out more.
- Gerrard Z.E. et al, 'Survival of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in retail pasteurised milk', Food Microbiology (2018), 74, 57-63
