Roadkill is being tested for bovine TB in Cumbria after the disease was confirmed in badgers there last week. This is the first time the disease has been reported in wildlife in the area since the 1980s.

Sixteen cattle holdings just over 30 miles from the Scottish border have been affected. Investigations into the likely source of the disease and extent of spread in the area are ongoing.

The TB hotspot has been under enhanced surveillance which includes testing badgers killed in road traffic incidents.

A spokesperson for the UK Animal and Plant Health Association (APHA) said it is “undertaking surveillance to look for evidence of bovine TB infection in wildlife in the hotspot area. Any recently dead roadkill badgers and deer found within this defined area should be left in situ and reported to APHA.”

However, these measures are not in place in Scotland. The government said that “regarding road kill there is no reason to test unless we suspect there is a problem, ie disease in cattle or recrudescence.”

The Farmers Journal Scotland understands that no evidence of the disease has yet been found in wildlife on the Scottish side of the border that would present a threat to its TB-free status.

Suspicion of TB in deer of any species must be notified to APHA. Arrangements are in place for tissue samples to be submitted for laboratory culture to confirm or negate any suspicion of TB in deer.

The Scottish Gamekeepers Association said that every carcase that goes to the game dealer is examined by the stalker holding a hunter’s licence or equivalent and must be signed off as fit for the food chain.

Biosecurity tips

  • Adhere to TB testing dates and maintain perimeter boundaries to prevent stock from straying or having nose-to-nose contact with neighbouring cattle.
  • Keeping herds closed as practicably as possible. If needing to buy cattle, use risk-based trading, isolate new incoming cattle where possible and adhere to pre-movement and post-movement testing requirements.
  • Ensure that animal identification and movement records are up-to-date so that cattle movements between herds can be quickly traced.
  • If sharing livestock equipment, disinfect equipment after use.
  • Prevent access of wildlife to cattle yard, feed store and cattle buildings where possible. Fence off badger setts and latrines in the fields, raise feed troughs and avoid feeding concentrates on the ground.
  • APHA will provide biosecurity advice leaflets as well carrying out farm visits and commission farm-level biosecurity advice.