In order to regain Officially TB free (OTF) status, it is necessary for new breakdown herds with OTF (Withdrawn) (OTF (W)) status to test clear at two consecutive short interval tests (SITs). These are required at no less than 60 day intervals following the removal of the last TB reactor from the holding.

Under previous arrangements AHVLA has, in exceptional circumstances and following a satisfactory veterinary risk assessment, permitted the movement of cattle onto an OTF (W) new breakdown premises before completion of the first SIT where it was possible to isolate the purchased animals. Such animals are then subject to the same testing requirements as the original herd, unless they remain satisfactorily isolated to form a separate epidemiological unit.

Following a recent audit by the European Commission’s Food and Veterinary Office (FVO), who are responsible for ensuring that Community legislation on food safety and animal health and welfare is properly implemented and enforced, the decision has been taken to end this arrangement with immediate effect as it fails to comply with the requirements of EU legislation for TB eradication.

TB in cattle is a serious disease with significant economic and social consequences and it is important that legislation designed to eradicate the disease is fully and consistently applied. To this end, movements onto OTF (W) premises will continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis, but will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances and following a satisfactory veterinary risk assessment, following the completion of the first SIT.

Q&A

What movements are allowed in the event of the first SIT being completed clear?
Movements onto OTF(W) new breakdown premises will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, but will only be licensed in exceptional circumstances and following a satisfactory risk assessment. Farmers wishing to undertake such a movement should contact their local AHVLA office. Movements of cattle off the premises can also be permitted in certain circumstances.

Are movements onto the holding permitted if the first SIT identifies further reactors or inconclusive reactors?
 Only if a veterinary risk assessment, following reactor removal, concludes that there is not an increased risk of disease spread.

Will movements still be permitted onto OTF(S) holdings?
Yes, providing a veterinary risk assessment concludes that there is not an increased risk of disease spread.

Why is this approach necessary? What are the risks associated with the movement of cattle onto a OTF(W) new breakdown holding prior to the completion of the first SIT?
It is necessary to ensure that the law is fully and consistently applied. Animals moving on to an OTF (W) holding are at an increased risk of potential exposure to the disease. As the taxpayer is liable for the payment of compensation for animals removed as TB reactors, this is an unnecessary risk for the taxpayer to be required to bear, as well as representing a risk from an animal welfare perspective. Following the completion of the first SIT it is possible to have greater confidence that infection has been removed from the herd.

What about if a farmer loses a suckler calf or a bull?
The replacement of suckler calves for welfare reasons will still be considered on a case by case basis prior to the completion of the first SIT, as will the purchase of replacement breeding bulls, but only where there are no options for artificial insemination.