Scottish government announces revised TB controls

The Scottish government has announced plans to tighten TB controls and cut compensation rates after a consultation process ended in the summer.

Although Scotland has officially tuberculosis-free (OTF) status due to a low number of outbreaks, sporadic cases occur in bought-in cattle.

These are tackled through an eradication programme of testing and removal that the government wants to tighten to ensure OTF status is retained.

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The changes to the rules under the Tuberculosis (Scotland) Order 2023 Consolidation include revised testing, movement, isolation and unclean cattle compensation payments.

TB control changes

Following the consultation, the Scottish government plans to:

• End the practice of accepting a clear final short interval test (SIT) at the end of all TB breakdowns as a valid pre-movement test
• Shorten the period during which a pre-movement test with negative results remains valid, from the current 60 days to 30 days after tuberculin injection
• Reduce compensation for unclean cattle at slaughter by 50%
• Include requirements for “isolation” in legislation to ensure that proper isolation of reactors and inconclusive reactors (IRs) is undertaken
• Reduce compensation for reactors or IRs that are not properly isolated.

NFU Scotland’s animal health and welfare policy manager, Penny Middleton, said the amendments would have little impact on cattle keepers, but would provide additional protection against TB.

“Scotland’s OTF is incredibly important to the Scottish cattle industry – it makes Scottish livestock more attractive to buyers and allows a reduced and more targeted approach to routine TB testing,” said Ms Middleton.

“Protecting the Scottish herd from TB is vital for the industry and it is critical that the protection measures are regularly reviewed, and improvements made to address any identified weaknesses,” she added. 

Further information

The Scottish government’s detailed analysis of the consultation is available on the government website.