Compulsory tests start in April to stave off bovine disease

New legislation to fight the spread of bovine TB means farmers in Yorkshire will have to arrange for post-movement testing of cattle from April 6.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Mar 2016, 15:31 BST
Updated 10th Mar 2016, 17:21 BST
The Government's package of new measures to help halt the spread of bovine tuberculosis will be introduced early next month.The Government's package of new measures to help halt the spread of bovine tuberculosis will be introduced early next month.
The Government's package of new measures to help halt the spread of bovine tuberculosis will be introduced early next month.

The new rule applies to all farms in ‘Low Risk’ areas and applies to cattle coming from the rest of England and Wales.

The Government hopes the tests will give greater confidence that Low Risk areas can remain officially TB-free. Over half of new infections in Low Risk areas are linked to cattle bought from higher risk areas.

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Three other measures also start at the same time. Herds in High Risk areas affected by a new TB breakdown will need to pass two tests before movement restrictions are lifted; free pre-sale TB tests will be available to many herd owners in the Low Risk area selling 20-plus cattle in a single purchase, and the Animal and Plant Health Agency will offer private blood tests to diagnose TB under certain conditions.

Farming Minister George Eustice said: “We are presiding over a huge collective effort to eradicate bovine TB in England.

“Our comprehensive strategy is clear: the disease can only be defeated by taking coordinated action on cattle movements, cattle testing and badger control.

“The cattle measures we are introducing in April will help protect against cattle-to-cattle transmission and bring the Low Risk Area closer to achieving TB freedom.”

Related topics:YorkshireEnglandGovernmentWales