The Brucellin Skin Test (BST) is a cell-mediated immune assay which is based on the use of purified and standardised protein allergen, almost completely devoid of lipopolysaccharide. The BST relies on the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction whose results are interpreted 48 and 72 hours post brucellin injection in small Ruminants and Cattle respectively.

Therefore an animal is restrained twice: to administer brucellin, and to read the result. 

 

The present document describes a standard technique aiming at controlling the fulfilment of OIE and EU requirements regarding the standardisation of indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (IELISA) kits for the detection of antibodies specific to smooth Brucella species (especially B. abortus, B. melitensis and B. suis) in bovine tank milk.

The present document describes a technique aiming at detecting antibodies specific of smooth Brucella species (B. abortus, B. melitensis and B. suis) in bovine milk from the bulk tank by the Milk Ring-Test (MRT).

In lactating cattle, the MRT can be used for screening herds for brucellosis. In large herds (> 100 lactating cows), the sensitivity of the test becomes less reliable.

False-positive reactions may occur in cattle vaccinated less than 4 months prior to testing, in samples containing abnormal milk (such as colostrum) or in cases of mastitis.