Defra adds new features to bovine TB interactive map

Defra has advised that a new version of the interactive map for bovine TB for England and Wales has gone live on Monday 31 January.

The new version, which is known as Information bTB (ibTB), includes a new separate map showing the number of years that herds have been clear of TB.

All herds are potentially viewable, including those that have never had a breakdown.

See also: 5 ways to improve TB control in the UK

Users can filter and search through the data according to how long herds have not had a breakdown.

Defra hopes this additional information will enable cattle keepers to make more informed purchase decisions and enable them to better manage the risks from buying in new cattle, as well as allow vets to understand the level of TB in their area.

The interactive map provides the locations of current and resolved TB breakdowns over the past 10 years in England and Wales.

The map has been updated to include data to 19 January 2022, with the next update scheduled for 14 February 2022.

Sarah Tomlinson, a vet and technical director of the TB Advisory Service, said: “ibTB has been invaluable for the TB Advisory Service. It can enhance decision-making when trading cattle and when moving cattle locally.

“It is one of our top five recommendations from advisory visits and an essential tool for farmers to help them make informed decisions to reduce the TB risk to their herd.”