All about us...
TEST-A-PET is the diagnostic service within the Veterinary Parasitology Group based in the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Liverpool. Our team of scientists and veterinary surgeons can provide free pre and post-test clinical advice, interpretation of results and suggestions for treatment to complement the tests that we offer for UK endemic and exotic parasitic diseases, primarily of dogs and cats. Developed from the group’s pioneering research into canine neosporosis under Professor Sandy Tress (Professor of Veterinary Parasitology) in the early 1990s, it is an efficient and reliable specialist diagnostic service for the veterinary profession in the UK, Europe and beyond.
Since its introduction, the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) continues to expand to other parts of the world and has seen a rapid and substantial increase in the number of pets travelling in and out of the UK. In light of this, the national reporting scheme for the occurrence of exotic disease “Dog And Cat Travel Risk Information” (DACTARI) was introduced by DEFRA and as part of our test profile we provide diagnostic testing for the four main diseases covered by the DACTARI scheme. Pet owners can find out information about these exotic diseases on this site.
Technical information for veterinary surgeons is detailed on the individual test pages (please refer to Test profile).
The Veterinary Parasitology Group has a long history in the development and application of diagnostic tests and has major research programmes into parasites of veterinary importance. The aim of the group is to improve the health of food producing and companion animals by improving the diagnosis and control of parasitic diseases. The group contributes to the strong research at the University of Liverpool’s School of Veterinary Science and previously at The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, which underpins and strengthens the diagnostic service that we provide.
The University of Liverpool is a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive institutions in the UK.