- Innovate UK support: Minimal Financial Assistance and Collaborative Research & Development
Case study: Earlier disease detection to support healthier cattle herds
Diagnostig Ltd, based on Anglesey, is developing a new diagnostic approach to help farmers detect Johne's disease in cattle earlier and manage herd health more effectively. Supported by Innovate UK, the project focuses on improving disease surveillance at farm level, protecting productivity and supporting the long-term sustainability of the livestock sector.
Johne's disease, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, is a chronic infectious disease that develops slowly and is present in a significant proportion of UK cattle herds. While often less visible than other livestock diseases, Johne's can lead to reduced milk yield, poorer beef performance and long-term economic losses. Current diagnostic methods are limited, with many tests only reliably detecting infection at later stages, when animals may already be showing symptoms and have contributed to disease spread.
Diagnostig's Innovate UK-supported project addresses this challenge by evaluating a novel blood-based diagnostic assay designed to detect Johne's disease earlier than existing methods. The technology uses a unique set of proprietary synthetic molecules that mirror components of the bacterium's cell wall, enabling the detection of infection without interference from vaccination for Johne's disease or bovine TB.
Working closely with local farmers and local vets, the project is conducting real-time studies using cattle from North Wales herds. Samples are being tested using the Diagnostig assay and compared against established commercial serological tests and PCR-based approaches. This side-by-side evaluation is designed to generate robust evidence on performance, accuracy and practical value for on-farm decision-making.
Innovate UK support has enabled Diagnostig to validate the technology under real-world conditions and demonstrate its potential to transform how Johne's disease is managed. Earlier detection allows farmers to take targeted action sooner, helping to reduce disease spread within herds and supporting efforts to achieve Johne's-free status. This is becoming increasingly important as supply chains and retailers place greater emphasis on disease control and herd health assurance.
Building on this work, Diagnostig has also secured Innovate UK Collaborative Research & Development funding for HERALD (Health Enhancement through Rapid Assessment of Livestock Diseases). This programme will further develop the diagnostic platform and explore its wider application in livestock disease surveillance.
By providing farmers with more effective tools for early disease detection, Diagnostig's Innovate UK-supported projects contribute to healthier herds, improved productivity and greater resilience across the Welsh livestock sector.
Project facts
- Business: Diagnostig Ltd
- Location: Anglesey
- Innovate UK support: Minimal Financial Assistance and Collaborative Research & Development
- Focus: Early detection of Johne's disease in cattle
- Key innovation: Novel blood-based diagnostic assay using proprietary synthetic molecules
- Wider impact: Healthier herds, improved productivity and enhanced disease surveillance
