New bovine TB testing rules for Wales
There has been an increase in the spread of bTB in the Low TB Area of Wales.
The Welsh government is reintroducing pre-movement testing of cattle and other bovine animals located in the Low TB Area (LTBA) of Wales from 1 February 2024.
The measures are being adopted following an increase in the spread of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) within the LTBA.
Clear test results will be valid for 60 days from the date of the injection of the skin test.
Post-movement testing is also being introduced for cattle and other bovine animals being moved from the High TB Areas of Wales, the High Risk Area of England or Northern Ireland into herds in the Intermediate TB Areas of Wales (ITBAs).
The post-movement tests will need to be undertaken between 60-120 days after the arrival of the cattle.
To help keepers assess the risk when purchasing cattle, data on how long a herd has been officially bTB free will be published on the ITBA webpages later in February.
Wales’ chief veterinary officer Richard Irvine said: “The consultation on our approach to TB Eradication in Wales has informed our delivery plan and the introduction of these measures, and I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to this.
“TB can have a huge impact on farms, families and livelihoods. Therefore, it is important farmers continue to work closely with their veterinarians to maintain strong biosecurity and do all they can to protect their herds.
“The steps coming into place on 1 February will be important in maintaining progress to eradicate bovine TB from Wales.”
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With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
