APHA
Non Bovine
We have previously highlighted issues with the Non Bovine tests.
Please ensure that the WSA is completed on SAM within the required 5 working days. You also need to ensure that the fully completed test charts are sent to APHA within the same timeframe. Ensure this is also copied into the email info@iechydda.cymru
Failure to complete any part will result in a KPI failure.
We are looking to develop Dewin to incorporate the NB tests.
Ensure that any animals tested can be identified. ( preferably microchipped, tagged or freeze branded)
Tuberculin Storage
A briefing note was issued on the 20th August for Revised instructions on the storage and use of tuberculin.
This is to inform Official Veterinarians (OVs) and Approved Tuberculin Testers (ATTs) of the revised instructions on the storage and management of tuberculin vials once they have been removed from refrigerated storage at veterinary practices.
To remind OVs and ATTs that only tuberculin vials that have been correctly stored, including within the stated temperature range, should be used when performing TB skin tests.
The briefing note can be found here
Please ensure that SOP’s have been updated accordingly.
Test submission times & KPI’s
A large number of KPI’s have been raised over the last couple of months. Most of these are due to late submission.
When completing tests please ensure that you use the correct WSA – Trace animals, PRMT etc.
Please ensure that you are entering your tests in time, if you need an AVS sign off please ensure that they are aware the test is ready for signing. If your main AVS is away please ensure that you send to your deputy! You can have one AVS & two deputies.
If awaiting keeper confirmation of any information, known information must be submitted on time and before a concluding part with the confirmed details (a late second or final part maybe accepted as an appeal so long as the first part has been done correctly).
All non bovine tests, must be submitted on SAM and test sheets returned correctly to avoid a KPI. Please ensure that you copy Iechyd Da into the test sheet submission.
If you experience a handheld issue, or SAM technical problem please obtain an incident number as this can go against the KPI, along with a screenshot of any error reports.
Updates to UK Farmcare manuals – Audit
Following the recent APHA Briefing Note on storage of tuberculin (OV62 APHA Briefing Note), UK Farmcare have updated their manuals to reflect this change. They have also included a suggested SOP to adopt and use where tuberculin is being stored in vehicles.
We appreciate the solution APHA have proposed will not work for everyone and unless you are a relatively high-volume tester and using lots of tuberculin in a week it may make more sense to carry on only taking the amount of tuberculin you will need each day and dispose of any that is unused at the end of each day.
Another update to the QA process is that they have changed the requirement for the Notice of Abandoned Test form to be best practice, rather than being an absolute requirement that leads to a non-compliance on TB Tester audits.
Please dispose of any hard copy versions of the manuals. The new versions are available on Dewin and also in the Library on Farminsights with the changes detailed below:
Practice Operations Manual v12:
Appendix 14 replaced with new version
TB Testing QA Manual v15:
Appendix 8 replaced with new version
Appendix 9 replaced with the SOP for Tuberculin storage
Client Feedback Questionnaire renamed as Appendix 10 and all associated reference updated
Personnel List
Iechyd Da uses the personnel list to determine new starters that are required to attend a QA course along with sending vital information on TB testing, including changes or issues.
Can all practices please ensure that your personnel lists are current and up to date. Ensuring that all contact details are completed to include emails and telephone numbers.
If you have a vet that has moved practices, then please contact the office to ask for the details to be transferred, this will ensure they have all of the audit details.
If you are struggling to add people or require any training on DEWIN, then please contact Tasha, who can arrange training.
TB Leaders Workshop
