Annual Tuberculosis Testing - Testing of Single Animals

The following is a list of questions and answers relating to Tuberculosis testing for single animals

In NI, TB herd testing is carried out annually in accordance with EU Directive 64/432, and we have a system in place to ensure that when the annual TB test is overdue, herds are restricted until the herd test has been carried out.  However, we have identified a gap in the system in respect of the testing of individual animals that may have missed annual herd tests because, for example, they have moved between herds.

To close this gap in TB testing in NI, we are planning to make a technical adjustment to the testing programme to take effect from 5 July 2008.  The adjustment will mean that from 5 July any individual animals that have not been tested for TB in the previous 15 months will be restricted on-farm.  They will not be permitted to move off farm except directly to immediate slaughter in NI.  Only the individual animal that has missed being tested will be restricted, not the herd as a whole.  Restricting the individual animal from leaving the herd, except directly to immediate slaughter in NI, will contain any potential risk and reduce the risk of disease spread

As at the 1 April 2008, there were an estimated 9,000 single animals in this category and they are currently subject to no movement restrictions

From 5 July 2008, any individual animals that have not been tested for TB in the previous 15 months will be restricted on-farm, and will not be permitted to move off premises except directly to immediate slaughter in NI.

Herdkeepers have from now until the go-live date, so that herdkeepers can check if any animals within their herds have not been tested for TB in the last 15 months and rectify the situation if they wish.  

Herdkeepers are also advised to check the test status of any animal they are buying, so that they are aware before purchase when its next TB test is required.

It is important that you check the test status of your animals on the 4 July if you are planning to move or sell your animals the following day, as a restriction will apply on 5 July to any animal that has not been tested.

Herdkeepers can check when their animals were last tested by logging on to APHIS-on-line, or by contacting their local Divisional Veterinary Office (DVO).  The DVO will carry out a check on their herd and inform them what animals fall into this category.  

The responsibility will rest with buyers to check the TB test status of any animal they are buying.  Herdkeepers are advised to ask the seller when the animal last had a TB test before they buy it, so that they know when the next TB test is required.  Such information is available to marts via APHIS on-line.  At the larger livestock markets, prospective buyers will be able to see the date of the last TB test for an animal on the display board over the ring at the time of sale.

If herdkeepers purchase an animal that has not been tested in the last 15 months, it will be their responsibility to have a TB test completed.  From 5 July 2008, any animal that has not had a TB test completed test within the last 15 months will be restricted on-farm.

The test can be completed as part of the next scheduled herd test, or alternatively, herdkeepers may prefer to have the animal tested privately at their own expense.

If the animal gives an inconclusive result, it will usually be tested again. Your herd may be restricted if you have had diseased confirmed within the past three years. In any case you will not be able to export animals except to GB.

Further information can be found on the DARD website by clicking on the link below  

As well as issuing a Press Release, the Department is writing to all herdkeepers in NI to tell them about the arrangements for TB testing of single animals and what steps they can take to ensure all animals in their herds are tested.

To obtain more information or advice about TB testing of single animals, you should contact your local DVO who will assist with your inquiry.

Armagh         –  028 3752 9900    
Ballymena     –  028 2566 2862   
Coleraine      –  028 7034 1111
Dungannon   –  028 8775 4777  
Enniskillen     –  028 6632 5004
Larne            –  028 2826 3222
Londonderry  –  028 7131 9500
Newry            –  028 3025 3200
Newtownards -  028 9182 5825
Omagh          –  028 8225 1020