Introduction to the test
The links below provide all the necessary information to both understand the process by which the scheme operates and how to apply to undertake testing.
The process by which animals are tested
Rules governing the scheme
To apply and register for the Health Scheme, herd owners should express their interest in this test via their local veterinary surgeon. Your veterinary surgeon can then contact SureFarm Ltd to begin the registration process which is as follows:-
Please note:
- Enferplex testing can only be used on holdings that have undergone a Gamma Interferon test.
Enferplex testing can only be used on holdings that have APHA permission, (Priv03). Please note this takes 5 working days
- Contact Surefarm to notify us of your proposed testing date via e-mail. The confirmation e-mail from APHA must be attached to this.
- A registration form, disclaimer and submission form is sent to the veterinary surgeon for completion with their client. Once the registration and disclaimer is submitted this will apply to all other subsequent samples sent for the client. Other veterinary support documents such as sampling protocols and veterinary notes for guidance will accompany the application documents. Samples should be sent to: The Transmission Hall, Rampisham Business Centre, Rampisham Down, Maiden Newton, Dorset DT2 0HS
- All samples for Enferplex testing are dispatched every Wednesday. Veterinary surgeons taking samples should aim to send samples to Sure Farm Ltd by Tuesday and notify SureFarm Ltd of their dispatch. This enables courier arrangements to be put in place.
- New registration samples will not be sent without a completed registration form and a signed disclaimer.
- All samples are to be accompanied by a completed submission form with notification of samples being sent.
- The turnaround for results is approximately 14 days. Results are reported to veterinary surgeons only. It is the veterinary surgeons responsibility to inform their client of results received.
- In the event of any retest required or positive findings, SureFarm Ltd will contact the veterinary surgeon directly.
Any age of animal can be tested. There is no minimum age.
As this is a voluntary scheme, there is no compulsion on the owner to test all animals. The testing can be designed to target specific animals or groups.
Protocol for Blood Sampling
Protocol for blood sampling for bovine TB using the Enferplex test.
Please be aware that the following represents best practice. Serological samples are relatively tolerant of sub-optimum conditions but if maximum sensitivity and specificity are to be achieved then they need to be handled appropriately. Please note that maximum sensitivity will be achieved if testing occurs 10-30 days post the administration of tuberculin.
- Collect samples at the beginning of the working week, to allow the samples to get to SureFarm Ltd by Tuesday or early Wednesday morning at the latest.
- Cleanly take a blood sample, minimum of 3 ml, into a serum (red top) glass vacutainer tube.
- Clot the blood at room temperature (20 +/- 4 degrees Celcius) for 2-3 hours to allow good clot formation and initial clot retraction. Beware taking samples over prolonged period of time in very cold temperatures as this can result in a problem with clot retraction.
- Store Cool to 4-8 degrees Celcius and keep at that temperature until they arrive at the destination lab. Transport should be in an approved transport container with samples appropriately labelled / supported so they don’t shake about too much. Avoid having the samples delayed in the transport system over a weekend.
Timing of sampling
As discussed in the performance section, the sensitivity of this test is significantly enhanced if the sampling occurs between 5 and 30 days post the injection of Tuberculin on day one of the skin test. Therefore we would recommend seeking to enhance sensitivity of detection of M bovis infected animals that you aim to sample within this window where possible.
How long will it take to report the results
Results will be reported to the owners veterinary practice.
We aim to turn around results within 21 days of receipt however as this is early days it can take longer.
How will results be reported?
The administration and the reporting of the result will all be performed via the farmer’s own veterinary practice. We will not contact individual farmers directly, unless is has been expressly agreed by that practice in writing that they are happy for this to occur.
Who will notify Defra if disease is suspected?
In the event of disease being suspected or where owners have failed to re-test positive animals under the threshold for immediate notification, Surefarm Ltd will send a copy of the sero-positive test reports to the local APHA office as well as notifying the animal keeper’s private veterinary practice. It will be the animal keeper’s private veterinary practice that will be responsible for informing the owner and also contacting their local APHA.
How much will it cost?
- Submissions of 1-50 samples - £15.50 + VAT per sample
- Submissions 51 - 100 samples - £14.50 + VAT per sample
- Submissions 101+ samples - £13.50 + VAT per sample
- Submissions under 20 samples that require a fast turnaround will be subject to a fixed fee of £315 + VAT plus courier charges
- A £32 administration charge will also be added to all overseas accounts.
Prices correct as at the 1st February 2026.
How will I be billed?
Billing will occur via the farmer’s own veterinary practice. Surefarm Ltd will invoice the practice.