Revised Bovine TB protocols in place

CHANGES to the protocol for TB testing in cattle have been announced.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued new guidance last week, which will remain in place until June 1.

The revised protocol allows for the testing of calves between 42 and 120 days, where both the farmer and vet are satisfied that appropriate physical distancing measures can be followed. Previously calves under 120 days were exempt from TB testing under the measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 unless they were in a reactor herd or for export purposes.

The advice highlights the importance of following HSE public health advice and suggests that only essential participants should be present for TB testing.

Where farmers are in an at risk group and cocooning, the protocol advises that alternative arrangements are made to conduct the test if possible.

The revised protocol also extends the facilitation to delay tests, the facilitation of internal movements of calves up to 120 days, and the provision of 28 days grace period after test due dates where trade can be facilitated.

IFA Animal Health Chairman Pat Farrell welcomed the changed protocol. He said those farmers who want to test calves under 120 days in their herd are allowed. This is of major benefit to farmers who want to sell these animals later in the year and avoids the need at that time to have costly private tests carried out on small numbers of animals.

Pat Farrell said the revised guidance also allows farmers and vets in the over-70 category to be involved with TB testing if they wish.

Wicklow was identified as one of the counties with the highest herd incidence of Bovine TB relative to the national average, according to statistics for the firt three months of 2020 released by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. However, herds in Wicklow make up a small proportion of the national herd at around 1.7 per cent.