Bovine TB: Testing and controls
Implications of recent Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks for bovine TB (bTB).
The TB (England) Order 2007 remains in effect. Therefore where cattle movements are permitted under FMD controls, TB testing requirements will apply as usual. This means zero tolerance will be applied to herds with overdue TB tests and cattle must be pre-movement tested as usual.
Pre-movement testing rules require all cattle over 42 days old moving out of a one or two yearly TB tested herd to have had a negative TB test within 60 days prior to movement. This includes movements to and from both grass keep and linked holdings.
All pre-movement tests must be arranged and paid for by the herd owner and are valid for 60 days from the day of injection of tuberculin. Routine bTB surveillance tests paid for by the Government qualify as pre-movement tests, if animals are moved within 60 days after the test. Herd owners can ask for additional animals to be included in their routine test if they wish to move those animals within 60 days of that test. Please contact your vet at your earliest opportunity to book your TB test.
Defra has produced a questions and answers document addressing the implications of the recent FMD outbreaks for bovine TB. For further information please see the FMD pages of this website.
Testing for bovine TB
As set out in the Government strategic framework for the sustainable control of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in Great Britain, the Government will pursue effective cattle surveillance and control measures which will be delivered efficiently and provide good value for money.
We test cattle to find those infected with bTB. This is done for three reasons:
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1. To protect public health 2. To prevent bTB spreading to other cattle or other animals 3. To make sure that cattle do not suffer because of bTB. Click here for information on the tuberculin skin test procedures. |
Developing and Strengthening Controls
Government regularly reviews policies to ensure that current scientific thinking is accurately reflected. We have consulted on modifications to the testing regime and to tuberculosis legislation.
Government keeps control on bTB as it can spread infection from one animal to other animals. It can be introduced onto a farm in many ways, such as:
- Bringing an infected animal onto a farm;
- Contact with other species which can carry bTB; or
- Indirect methods, such as contaminated equipment.
Defra and its agencies have introduced controls and testing to limit the spread of the disease.
The Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) has produced a report analysing the comparative field performance of tuberculins 
(164 KB) produced by VLA Weybridge and by Dutch manufacturer ID Lelystad between 1 January 2005 and 31 March 2007.
Gamma interferon test
In August 2006, the Government announced further action to improve the testing of cattle for bovine TB. The announcement included details of an increase in the use of the gamma interferon diagnostic blood test, alongside the current skin test, since October 2006. Further information on this can be found in the gamma interferon pages of this website.
Review of bovine TB testing procedures in England and Wales
In August 2006, the Government published the report of a review carried
out by DNV Consulting (317 KB) into bovine TB testing procedures in England and Wales. The review
did not find anything to fundamentally undermine the validity of the existing
TB testing programme, but did identify that there was widespread non-compliance
with certain instructions.
Some of the detailed review findings do cause Defra concern and we are working closely with Animal Health (formerly SVS) and the veterinary profession to address these. The report has identified that there is a clear need for government to enhance TB testing audit/assurance procedures. We will also be working to introduce more robust performance monitoring systems.
Legislation
The Tuberculosis (England) Order 2007
The TB Order 2007 came into force on 6 April 2007. It explains pre-movement testing regulations, clarifies and strengthens the powers of Defra for dealing with incidents of bTB, in respect of movement restrictions on herds where an official diagnostic test has not been carried out by the due date. It defines “bovine animals” to include buffalo and bison, and is designed to improve the surveillance of cattle TB by enabling Defra to follow up cases where bTB is identified by a laboratory example of a sample taken from any mammal (other than man). The Order also states the role of the Secretary of State in relation to the use, and results of, diagnostic tests for bTB. This Order also clarifies and strengthens permitted movements in and out Approved Finishing Units, Exempt Finishing Units, Collection Centres and markets.
More information on legislation is available here.
Routine Surveillance Testing
Cattle are tested every 1, 2, 3 or 4 years depending on how widespread bTB is in a particular region.
Further information on Defra’s cattle controls can be found in
Defra’s online booklet, Dealing With
TB In Your Herd 
(643 KB)
Cattle Movement Testing
Statutory pre-movement testing of cattle was introduced in England in March 2006 and in Wales in May 2006. Pre- and post- movement testing of cattle was implemented in Scotland in September 2005. Further information, including requirements for cattle owners, is available on the pre-movement testing pages of this website.
Inspection
The Meat Hygiene Service inspects all cattle sent for slaughter.Page last modified:
26 September 2007