Bovine TB: Pre-movement Testing Of Cattle Starts On 27 March

New rules to help reduce the risk of spreading bovine TB through movements of cattle will be introduced in England on 27 March. From Monday, cattle aged over 15 months of age moving out of a 1 –2 yearly tested herd, must have tested negative to a TB test within 60 days prior to movement unless the herd or movement meets any of the exemptions. Defra has long regarded pre-movement testing as a critical tool in tackling bovine TB. However, in response to recent suggestions that there would be operational difficulties with its introduction, Defra appointed DNV, led by Philip Comer, to speedily review capacity and preparedness. His review surveyed Local Veterinary Inspectors (LVIs) in high risk areas in England. It found no evidence to support any further delay to the introduction of pre-movement testing . The review found that most Local Veterinary Inspectors had a good general awareness of the new requirements and felt they would be able to respond to and meet the expected demand for testing. Where concerns have been identified these are being addressed by the State Veterinary Service (SVS) . DNV's report has been placed on Defra's website today. All cattle owners have been sent an annual statement explaining their parish and herd testing interval with a guidance booklet, TB in Cattle – Reducing the Risk Pre- and Post- Movement testing in Great Britain. In response to concerns about awareness of animals and movements that are exempt, cattle owners and LVIs are being sent a further simple guide. SVS staff have also been sent further guidance so they are well prepared to provide advice to LVIs and herd owners and our campaign to ensure good awareness of the new rules will continue over the coming weeks. Routine herd surveillance tests can be used as a pre-movement test, and will continue to be paid for by the Government, as long as the animals are moved within 60 days of a clear test. All other pre-movement tests must be arranged and paid for by the herd owner. DNV were asked on 2 March, as a result of the Kremers' case, to undertake a second review on the instructions and interpretive material for TB testing in cattle and their use by LVIs. Work on this review is still underway, but its interim findings also indicate that there is no reason for further delay to the introduction of pre movement testing. The Government's Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Debby Reynolds, has considered the conclusions of DNV's first report and the emerging conclusions from the second review. Her advice is that pre-movement testing is a vital and overdue TB control measure and that there are no outstanding reasons for further delay. Dr Reynolds, said: “Bovine TB has reached severe levels in some parts of the country. Effective cattle controls are vital to combat this problem. Pre-movement testing will reduce the risk of this disease spreading within high incidence areas and help keep clean areas clean”.

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