Monthly Archives: January 2023

Rabies Laboratory Maintenance Shutdown **UPDATE**

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**UPDATE 03Mar23**

We are pleased to report that our maintenance will be completed earlier than expected and we now intend to resume rabies testing on the 10th of March. As usual the backlog of samples will be tested in order of receipt but our express service will be available for any urgent samples.

We will shortly be shutting down our high containment rabies testing laboratory temporarily in order to complete routine maintenance. This shutdown is required to enable our engineers to gain access to the laboratory for routine servicing of equipment and facilities. This ensures that the laboratory and equipment are maintained to the highest standard. All other areas of our business will operate as normal during this period.

The work will start in February 23, with a timetable as follows:

  • 22 Feb 23 (Wed) Last tests will be set up
  • 24 Feb 23 (Fri) Tests from 22 Feb 23 will be read and reported.
  • Week commencing 20 Mar 23 Normal testing resumes (Exact date subject to engineer service sign off).

This means that for a period of approximately 17 working days, no rabies testing will be available.

We will naturally use our best endeavours to ensure the works are completed as quickly as possible to minimise the downtime and service disruptions to our customers. During the shutdown we will post updates on our social media channels to confirm exact re-start dates.

As with previous shutdowns we will clear the testing backlog as quickly as possible to enable your results to get back to you within our usual normal published timescales. Once the facility returns to normal operations our express service will be available for any urgent samples, all other samples will be processed in order of receipt.

Express Testing will not be available during the shutdown as the unit is closed and no tests can be set up.

If you are aware of any clients that may require certificates before 24 Feb 23 we would encourage you to send in samples as soon as possible in order to avoid any disappointment. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information regarding the shutdown.

Breaking News

Important Information for Overseas Rabies Customers

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**UPDATE 19Jan23**

Based on an update published by the Royal Mail today we understand that International mail is starting to be processed again. Due to the likely backlog of mail and possible issues as the service returns to normal we have taken the decision to continue to hold international mail for a few days. It is likely that we will restart sending certificate again on Monday.

Due to a recent "Cyber Attack" against the UK mail service we are currently unable to return rabies certificates to overseas customers using the standard airmail service.

Further information can be found on the Royal Mail website.

We are working hard to identify alternative mail services to deliver our certificates overseas but, as you can imagine, as all businesses in the UK attempt to do the same thing these smaller postal services are also becoming overwhelmed.

We can arrange to send certificates overseas using the DHL courier service, the cost of this is curretly £110. If you wish to use this option please contact our office team who will arrange to take payment and organise the courier for you. Alternatively you are welcome to arrange a courier to collect the certificate from our premises, again please contact our office team to arrange.

We appreciate this is very disruptive and inconvenient for our customers but it is due to circumstances beyond our control. We will provide further updates on our website as the situation evolves.