Overdue TB tests

Information related to restrictions that may be placed should you fail to have your Tuberculosis (TB) tests carried out by their due date.

Ensure your test is completed on time and your facilities allow good quality testing by your vet.

If your TB herd test is not completed by the due by date, APHIS (Animal and Public Health Information System) will apply restrictions automatically, and you will be unable to move animals out of the herd except to slaughter. Animals can however still move into the herd.

If your TB herd test remains outstanding for one month past the due by date, APHIS will automatically apply full restrictions on your herd. No animals may move into your herd, except for one bull (with Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) permission). No animals may move out of the herd, except for non emergency welfare cases moving to slaughter with prior approval of DARD. Non emergency welfare cases must be accompanied with a licence obtained from DARD.

If your annual TB herd test remains outstanding for 3 months beyond the original due date, the herd will require two clear tests taken at least 60 days apart (the second of which you will have to pay for) to re-establish its TB status.

If your test remains outstanding for 4 months beyond the original due date enforcement action is initiated, this may include prosecution.