The risk of Tuberculosis through Milk
Information related to the risks of Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) through milk in Northern Ireland.
Can I feed reactor milk to calves?
It is illegal, under domestic legislation in Northern Ireland to feed milk from reactor cows to calves unless it has first been sterilised.
Can I carry on selling milk?
Milk from any positive reactor may not be used for human consumption. The milk from such animals should be withheld from the bulk tank and disposed of in the farm slurry system. If you wish to spread this milk directly on the land you must apply for a waste licence exemption from the Department of the Environment. Milk from the rest of your herd, including milk from inconclusive reactors can continue to be sold.
Can I still drink raw milk from the bulk tank?
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) recommends that you should not drink unpasteurised raw milk. You will not know if you have bovine TB in your herd unless signs are found at routine slaughter, or at a TB herd test.
What if I sell unpasteurised milk?
You will not be allowed to continue to sell your own unpasteurised milk or unpasteurised milk products (such as cream, yoghurt, cheese and so on) for human consumption, even if Bovine TB is only suspected, until your herd is shown to be free of TB.
