Instead of COVID-19 tests, diagnostics for cows? PCR labs may be loaded with a new type of activity 

June 17, Minsk district. Belarus is discussing the possibility of using the network of medical PCR laboratories, expanded during the coronavirus pandemic, for veterinary purposes. This topic was discussed on June 17 in Minsk district with the participation of President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, BELTA reports.
Special attention at the event was paid to the prevention and treatment of infectious pathologies in animals. "Unfortunately, laboratory diagnostics of infectious diseases currently does not fully provide the veterinary service with the necessary information. Some methods are either outdated or have insufficient accuracy," explained Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences Vladimir Karanik.
For example, if the test is for a disease such asbrucellosis , gives a positive result (and it often gives a false positive result), then it takes about a month to establish an accurate diagnosis, and during this period there is uncertainty about the actions on this farm and with the milk obtained (it must be pasteurized).

Vladimir Karanik recalled that in Belarus during the pandemiccovid-19, by decision of the head of state, the capabilities of the PCR diagnostics laboratory service were significantly expanded in order to quickly identify various antigens. "I believe that we should now use PCR laboratories (from the healthcare sector in the interests of veterinary medicine. - BELTA note). Now we must create a PCR diagnostics system that allows us to receive an answer not within a month, but in one, maximum two days," the head of the National Academy of Sciences explained. According to him, in the near future, specialists will submit proposals to the President on how to make laboratory diagnostics in veterinary medicine more efficient and modern.
Following the discussion, Alexander Lukashenko instructed to discuss this proposal in detail and, if necessary, formalize it into a specific decision. "Let's agree that we will not just listen to talks and lectures from scientists

(they will speak correctly) at another meeting on preventing such a case as ours ... But so that we make a decision," the President said. "If Vladimir Stepanovich (Karanik. - BELTA note) believes that we need to connect the healthcare system to diagnostics or something else, let's connect it, make proposals. If there are reasonable, verified proposals, a decision will be made within 24 hours."