Removal of second time inconclusive cattle as reactors Q&A

A1. From 1 January 2010 animals that have given an inconclusive result to a second consecutive bovine TB test have been removed as reactors.

A2. Previously the Department allowed a third consecutive inconclusive TB test. However, from 1 January 2010 there ceased any longer to be a third test.

A3.To ensure that we comply with the requirements of EC Directive 64/432 and meet the conditions of our 2010 TB Eradication Plan, as approved by the European Commission. This change means that DARD now complies with a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recommendation on this point. Meeting the conditions of this Eradication Plan also allowed DARD to apply for part of the total €10 million co-funding allocated to England, Wales and NI by the EU Veterinary Fund to help the fight against bTB.

Q4.How do the other regions in these islands treat animals that give an inconclusive result to a second consecutive bovine TB test?

A4.The south of Ireland, Scotland and Wales remove animals that give an inconclusive result to a second consecutive bTB test. England also introduced this change from 1 January 2010. The changes that DARD has adopted will mean that we will be in line with the other parts of these islands and will help safeguard our trade relationships.

A5.It is estimated that the new arrangements will result in approximately 400 additional reactors (approximately 300 herds). This change may result in a consequential increase in the herd incidence of bTB, possibly by as much as 23% in 2010.

A6.The animal will be removed as a reactor and the herd will be classified as a TB breakdown. Please see our “TB in Your Herd” booklet for more information

A7.This depends on the recent disease history in the herd, whether other reactors were found at the same time as animals with inconclusive results, the findings at post mortem and laboratory examination. There will always be a minimum of one herd test required.  

A8. Members of the TB Core Stakeholder Group, which consists of farmers’ and veterinary representative groups, were kept apprised of the new arrangements. Officials also ensured that these new arrangements were communicated to farmers and other stakeholders, by means of a press release, letters to veterinary practices and by continued liaison with the TB Core Stakeholder Group.  However, the change did not require any legislative amendments so formal consultation arrangements did not apply.

A9.You can contact your local Divisional Veterinary Office for further information on these revised arrangements.