TB Testing
farm
As our farmers are aware regular TB testing is essential to enable TB infected herds to be identified as soon as possible, six monthly or annually.
Our vets are subject to regular checks by the APHA to ensure compliance with the regulations which will involve unannounced on-farm inspections. Our vets follow the required APHA protocols to ensure we comply.
Procedure for Day 1 The vet must:
- Clip
- Ensure the official ear tag is read and recorded
- Measure skin thickness and record this against the correct ear tag number
- Inject tuberculin
Procedure for Day 2 The vet must:
- Ensure the official ear tag is read and recorded again
- Measure skin thickness and record this against the correct ear tag number
Farm Requirements
Suitable and safe handling facilities for the cattle to be tested will ensure a smooth testing procedure, saving time and ensuring the safety for farm personnel and our vets. Additional help is always beneficial especially for larger tests.
Please remember in situations where we cannot carry out the test correctly or safely, our vets are instructed to abandon the test which will mean that the test will need to be rescheduled and restrictions may be put in place.
TB Hub
The TB hub is the ‘go-to’ place for British beef and dairy farmers to find practical advice on dealing with bovine TB on their farm, covering everything from biosecurity measures to understanding trading rules. tbhub.co.uk
TB Map
An online interactive mapping tool displaying ongoing and resolved TB breakdowns in England and Wales over the past 10 years. Use it to find out about the bovine TB situation in your local area, and when purchasing cattle. ibtb.co.uk
TB Advisory Service
Provides free, bespoke advice to keepers of cattle and farmed non-bovine animals in England on practical, cost-effective measures to build herd/flock resilience to bovine tuberculosis. tbas.org.uk/