TB tests look compulsory

COMPULSORY PRE-MOVEMENT testing of cattle for bovine tuberculosis looks set to be introduced after an independent stakeholder group reported to DEFRA that the net benefit of such a policy could be £5.3m in the first year.

The bovine TB pre-movement testing stakeholder group report was published by DEFRA on Wednesday June 1.

It recommended that should ministers decide to introduce compulsory pre-movement testing legislation it should be “limited to animals in 1-2 year testing herds that are over 15-months of age”.

It also recomended reviewing the policy after the first year to consider introducing compulsory testing on animals aged six weeks to 15-months.

Table 1: Costs and benefits to taxpayer and industry of pre-movement testing animals over 15-months of age from 1 and 2 year testing herds

When animals between six weeks and 15-months are included the net benefit is greater, but the industry bears the brunt of the costs.

Table 2: Costs and benefits of to taxpayer and industry of pre-movement testing animals over six weeks of age from 1 and 2 year testing herds

However, while there would be exceptions to the rule for example, animals going direct to slaughter, the group was clear to emphasize that the policy is not a risk elimination measure.

Chief veterinary officer Debbie Reynolds said: “Cattle farmers do not need to wait until the Government makes movement testing compulsory. 

“Farmers should take steps now to reduce the risk of spreading TB, which is increased by moving cattle within Great Britain.

“Using pre and post-movement testing, based on the advice of their veterinary surgeon, is a very important disease prevention measure,” added Dr Reynolds.

DEFRA now plans to hold a public consultation on the proposals later in 2005 before any decision is made to implement such a policy.