We offer biochemical screening for erythropoietic protoporphyria (Bovine EPP) in Limousin cattle (1) and congenital erythropoietic porphyria (Bovine CEP) in Longhorn cattle (2). A 5-10ml EDTA blood sample is required (please ensure the primary tube is labelled and light protected).
In order to minimise the cost our first-line test is fluoresence emission spectroscopy detection in plasma. If the sample is haemolysed we can screen for protoporphyrin in erythrocytes. If, as is carried out for human patients, you require both plasma and erythrocyte screens please state this clearly on the request form.