Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2017
408. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has satisfied himself with the accuracy of bovine TB skin and blood tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40289/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra409. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the rate of accuracy of bovine TB skin and blood tests. [40290/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 408 and 409 together.
The key measures of a diagnostic test’s accuracy are sensitivity and specificity. As is the case with diagnostic tests for most diseases none of the tests currently available for the diagnosis of bovine TB (bTB) allow a perfectly accurate determination of the M. bovis infection status of cattle.
However, the single intradermal comparative tuberculin test (TB skin test) which is used in Ireland is universally regarded as the best screening test in a general population of animals.
The blood test that is used in herds in Ireland where there is TB infection present is the gamma-interferon test. When used in parallel to the skin test, the gamma interferon blood test can help to resolve TB problems in a herd more quickly.
The accuracy of the current TB testing methods and tests will remain the subject of ongoing assessment and scientific review within my Department.
