Voluntary gamma testing now live in high-risk TB areas
© Tim Scrivener From 1 September 2025, a significant expansion of voluntary interferon-gamma blood testing has been available to cattle keepers in parts of England affected by bovine tuberculosis (TB).
However, the rollout – part of Defra’s ongoing refresh of England’s bovine TB control strategy – went largely under the radar, with stakeholders informed (PDF) rather than through a wider announcement to media.
See also: Vaccination is no silver bullet for TB control, say experts
The enhanced testing offer, now live, enables eligible cattle keepers in the high risk area (HRA) and six-monthly testing zones of the edge area to voluntarily request gamma testing through the Animal and Plant Health Agency (Apha) if their herd has lost its officially TB free (OTF) status due to a breakdown.
Previously, gamma testing was only used compulsorily in severe or repeat cases.
Under the new policy, OTF withdrawn (OTFW) herds can now opt in voluntarily, allowing all cattle over six months in the affected herd to be tested using both the tuberculin skin and gamma blood tests.
Defra believes this dual approach boosts diagnostic sensitivity and will help identify infected animals earlier – especially those missed by the skin test alone. Positive animals will be removed, and compensation will be paid in line with current policy.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw welcomed the development, calling it “a welcome additional tool for cattle keepers and private vets in the fight against bovine TB”.
He said: “We know skin tests aren’t 100% accurate, and greater access to gamma tests will hopefully mean the disease can be detected more quickly and the necessary action taken to reduce the risk to the rest of the herd.”
‘Consult private vets’ – NFU chief
Mr Bradshaw added that, while the scheme is voluntary, producers should consult with their private vet to decide if gamma testing is suitable for their herd.
Farmers must apply directly to Apha, and uptake will depend on available laboratory and field capacity.
Both Defra and the NFU recommend taking advantage of the free TB Advisory Service visits when considering this option.
For full details and eligibility criteria, visit tbhub.co.uk.
NI farmers urged to take part in bovine TB survey
Cattle farmers in Northern Ireland are being urged to take part in a new survey on the indirect impacts of bovine TB.
Commissioned by the Ulster Farmers’ Union, Dairy Council NI, and LMC, and led by The Andersons Centre, the study focuses on uncompensated costs – including lost income, mental health impacts, and operational disruption.
The anonymous survey is being hosted on Survey Monkey. It takes 20 minutes, and will inform future policy and support services. It closes on Friday 10 October.