What testing will my herd need if I have a reactor?
Information on what testing will be required should you have a Tuberculosis (TB) reactor animal in your herd.
What testing will is required?
Once we have confirmed that an animal from your herd has bovine TB, you must have two clear whole-herd tests in a row, involving every animal in the herd, before we will lift the restrictions. These herd tests must be carried out at least 60 days apart. We may apply a more severe interpretation than we apply to routine tests to make sure your herd is cleared of the infection as quickly as possible. There must always be 2 clear tests following removal of reactors when TB has been confirmed.
If bovine TB is not confirmed on post-mortem or laboratory examination, and there are only a limited number of reactors, it may be possible to remove restrictions after only one clear herd test.
A further test will be arranged for your herd 4 to 6 months after movement restrictions are lifted to check that no infection remains.
Should the tests be delayed more than 1 month past the due by date the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) will remove the facility for any movement to and from your herd until the test due is completed and received at your Divisional Veterinary Office (DVO).
