The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland (NI) has updated its position on TB testing, confirming that all testing should now cease, unless in exceptional circumstances.

Last week DAERA relaxed testing rules in NI, effectively stating that no farmer would be forced to undertake a TB test, and if a test is overdue, no financial penalties would apply. Farmers would also still be able to send cattle to slaughter.

With testing now suspended, where a test is overdue, herd movement restrictions will still be put in place, and cattle cannot leave the farm, except under licence from DAERA, or to direct slaughter.

Exceptional circumstances

In exceptional circumstances, a test can still be done, but both the herd owner and the private vet must be satisfied that Public Health Agency guidance (social distancing of at least 2m) can be observed for each and every animal presented.

Confirming the latest position, DAERA minister Edwin Poots said that the primary focus is to protect health and save lives.

Potential spike

However, the concern is that this decision could lead to a spike in TB cases as happened when TB testing was suspended for six months during the Foot and Mouth outbreak in 2001. When it recommenced, herd incidence rates in NI steadily increased from below 7% to over 10% by early 2003. Having an effective and operational TB testing programme is also important in maintaining international trade in livestock products.

“We have a secondary concern in DAERA and that is to maintain the integrity of the food supply chain and animal welfare, therefore we will keep this position under review as we move through the various stages of the COVID-19 outbreak” minister Poots said.

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