Flexibilities introduced to the TB testing regime in the wake of COVID-19 have been extended until 1 April 2021.

The Department said following ongoing discussions and consultation with farming and veterinary stakeholders that it was revising the protocol for TB testing.

Calves between 42 and 120 days of age should be TB tested only where both the farmer and the vet are satisfied that social distancing can be adhered to, according to the protocol.

Exemptions

If calves under 120 days are not tested, they will be eligible for movement once the herd retains its free status, until they reach 120 days of age.

Calves aged over 120 days must have passed a TB test in order to move out of the herd.

If a calf was not tested during a herd test due to being aged 42 to 120 days, when it goes above 120 days, a private TB test will be required to enable it to move.

The exemption does not apply to reactor retests or to the requirements for TB testing for export.

Where a calf aged under 120 days is intended for export, the requirement for a 30-day pre-export TB test remains in place for calves over 42 days of age.

Grace period

Where a herd cannot be TB tested due to COVID-19-related issues, the trading status of the herd will be suspended when the herd becomes overdue.

However, a grace period of 28 days from the date on which the herd test becomes due will be applied before this suspension comes into effect, during which the herd can continue trading.

When the suspension is then applied, moves directly to slaughter will still be permitted.

It urged all those involved in carrying out a TB test to act in accordance with the guidance of the HSE at all times.

Welcomed

The extension was welcomed by IFA animal health chair Pat Farrell.

“Clearly outlining the protocol for an extended period allows farmers to plan and schedule their on-farm work. Critically, it allows dairy farmers plan with certainty their sale of calves with the facilitation of internal trade for calves up 120 days of age without requiring a TB test,” Farrell said.

He said the grace period after the test due date was important as it took the pressure off farmers who needed to sell cattle to test immediately.

Breathing space

ICMSA deputy president Lorcan McCabe said the flexibilities will remove a level of worry from farmers.

“The 120 days testing extension will give breathing space to farmers who may be impacted by COVID or simply isolating around the time of their expected herd test.

“This extension will also be a relief to those dairy farmers who sell calves in spring and will give them leeway at a very difficult time.”

The ICMSA has urged farmers to keep in mind that TB rates are on the rise and the testing of animals must continue to ensure that outbreaks are not made any worse due to delays in testing.

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