TB Testing

TB Testing

Our Large Animal Vets; Shona Searson and Claire Kilburn provide Private TB Testing services (not government funded).

TB testing is an essential part of cattle ownership.  There are different times you need to carry out a TB test on your herd, and there are specific criteria for which animals need to be tested, please see the following information for a guideline and refer to either the Bovine TB Hub website or call The APHA on 03000 200301.

TB Testing Services:

• Routine Herd Tests
  The frequency of these depends on the incidence in your area.  They are usually either one-yearly or four-yearly.

• Whole Herd Tests
  This is usually either in high-prevelance TB areas or for farms selling raw milk or those with public visiting.

• Pre Movement Tests
  This is for herds in a higher-risk area.  This testing needs to be done at the cattle-keeper’s own expense, so is arranged with their private veterinary surgeon.

• Post Movement Tests
  This is arranged at the cattle keeper’s own expense, with their private veterinary surgeon. It needs to be done within 60-120days of the animals arriving on the holding. This only applies to cattle coming from a high risk area. As of 2023 it is the responsibility of the cattle keeper to ensure all eligible cattle are tested-the government no longer sends a letter to inform the buyer of when the cattle need to be tested. Routine herd tests can be carried out by government funded veterinary practices; however we can also carry these out for a fee. Please call us if you wish to discuss the costs of any type of TB testing.

• Tracer Testing

• Camelid TB Testing

You will need to ‘Opt Out’ of Government Paid For TB Testing with APHA so that your TB Test can be allocated to Donaldson’s and completed privately. This needs to be done well in advance of your test being due. Please contact APHA or our reception team on 01484 421512 for more information.

Information on all aspects of Bovine TB is available on the TB Hub: https://tbhub.co.uk

All TB breakdowns across England can be viewed on the ibTB interactive map: www.ibtb.co.uk

This map can be used to display:

• The location of current TB breakdowns

• The location of breakdowns within the last 10 years on any CPH or within any postcode

• The number of years herds in England have been officially TB free (OTF)

This is an extremely valuable resource for monitoring TB outbreaks in your area and assessing risk when buying in cattle

TB Advisery Service

Claire Kilburn is also a qualified TB advisor (TBAS). A TBAS vet can carry out a farm visit to help you identify potential areas where TB risk could be eliminated or reduced, discussing why these are risks, how you can control them and making recommendations to reduce your risk of a TB breakdown.

If you are a farmer of cattle, sheep, goats, camelids, pigs or deer in England you may qualify for FREE telephone advice or two FREE visits (paid for by DEFRA).

If you would like to find out if you are eligible or have any other questions please:
Contact our co-ordinators on 01484 421512

Or

Fill out the form below and we will contact you: