A NEW coronavirus test developed specifically for agriculture is now available.

The kit, developed by agricultural materials analysis specialist Eurofins Agro UK, contains swabs which can take a sample from potentially contaminated surfaces including those of vehicles and farm machinery.

The news will come as a relief to many farmers in Cumbria, with accountant Tracie Roberts, of Ulverston-based JF Hornby and Co, last month saying that a 'huge increase' in walkers in the county had left farmers 'fearful of catching Covid-19' from contaminated gates.

A Eurofins Agro UK spokesman said the new tests could 'identify the presence of severe acute syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus that causes Covid-19'.

"Covid-19 can survive on surfaces for 72 hours and the ability to test for it in agricultural packaging and handling facilities will offer a new way to help protect employees and the public from the virus," he said.

"The test kit packages have been developed for agriculture and are derived from other tests, produced by parent company Eurofins Scientific, that are already being used globally.

"Any surface that has a high risk of spreading the virus between employees such as door handles, communal toilets, canteens, meeting rooms, shared desks, machinery and vehicles can be tested regularly to prevent the spread of the virus.

"Regular testing can be used to monitor and eventually strengthen the effectiveness of any measures put in place to protect against the virus.

"For example, it could highlight problems with a cleaning regime, allowing users to restrict access to a contaminated area and perform a deep clean."

Farmers in Cumbria looking to perform a test are asked to contact Eurofins directly on 01902 627 227 or by emailing AgroTesting@eurofins.co.uk.