Testing Your Herd
- Detecting bovine TB
- Pre-movement / Post-movement Testing
- Parish Testing Interval
- Testing
- Results of Testing
Detecting bovine TB
The two types of test currently approved in the European Union for the diagnosis of TB in live cattle are the intradermal tuberculin (skin) test and the IFN Blood test (Gamma interferon test).
Pre-movement / Post-movement Testing
For more information on Pre-movement / Post-movement Testing please click here
Parish Testing Interval
The parish testing interval is the frequency of required routine testing for your premises.However in certain circumstances your herd may require more frequent testing. This is known as your herd testing frequency. You would be advised if this situation applies to your herd.
The most up to date information can be obtained by contacting your local Animal Health Office or by using our online PTI tool.
Types of Tests
There are various types of test that may be carried out on your herd. A list can be found here.
Tracing in the event of a TB incident
There are two situations where we will trace animals to check for transmission of TB
- If you purchase an animal from a herd that subsquently has a confirmed case of TB we will ask to test that individual to check that it has not contracted the disease.
- If you sell an animal that is subsequently confirmed to have TB we may need to test your whole herd to check if it contracted the disease there.
Results of Testing
- If you have clear test there will be no futher action for you to take until you receive notification of your next test.
- If you are found to have a reactor then your herd will enter a breakdown.
- If you have inconclusive reactors what happens next mainly depends on whether reactors have been found in the same herd.