Change to Approved Finishing Unit testing announced
The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) has announced that cattle on English active Approved Finishing Units (AFUs) that are traced from a holding where a new TB breakdown has occurred will no longer be required to undergo testing for the purposes of tracing unless this is deemed necessary by a veterinary risk assessment.
This change will take place with immediate effect, but does not in any way alter the obligation of the herd owner to undertake regular testing of cattle on an AFU every ninety days (in England only, if with grazing) or every six months as is appropriate to the case.
It is understood that the Welsh Government is also considering the adoption of similar measures in Wales. The decision follows a general trend towards an approach to Tuberculosis control that emphasises risk-based strategies and the reduction of superfluous burdens.
SPVS and FIVP have collaborated to launch a short survey about the proposed reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.
