Scotland Protect TB-Free Status
SCOTLAND, UK - New control measures will take effect from 28 February 2010, aimed at strengthening existing controls and removing anomalies from previous arrangements.
18 December 2009
2 minute read
This Implementation Plan sets out both the existing and new control measures that are being put in place under Scotland's Officially Tuberculosis Free (OTF) arrangements.
With effect from 28 February 2010, a clear TB test prior to movement to Scotland will be required for cattle from all low incidence areas of England and Wales (three to four yearly tested parishes) no more than 60 days before movement and no less than 60 days after any previous test, with the following exceptions:
- Cattle which can be shown to have spent their whole lives in low incidence areas;
- Cattle being sent direct to Scotland for slaughter;
- Calves less than 42 days of ages (these will need to be tested post movement if they originate from a high incidence area).
TB Isolation units in Scotland which permit Irish imports to be exempt from post import testing will be phased out by the end of December 2010, and importers will be required to meet the cost of post import testing (as for movements from high incidence areas in GB).
The current requirement for pre- and post-movement testing of cattle from one and two yearly tested parishes in England and Wales to Scotland will continue.
Pre-export tuberculin testing of cattle over 42 days of age will continue.
Enforcement of compliance through cross checks using existing and new cattle movement reports from BCMS and routine checks by animal health staff will continue.
Abattoir surveillance through meat inspection will continue.
TB is a notifiable disease and suspect cases should be reported.
Source and spread tracings of breakdowns will continue.
Gamma interferon testing for all new confirmed breakdowns in Scotland will continue.
Routine tuberculin testing will continue during the transitional period with a four yearly default testing frequency period.
The proposed future approach is:
- Risk analysis to establish criteria for at-risk herds;
- Consideration of whole herd tests vs. selected animal tests;
- Consideration of ceasing routine testing on islands with low disease risk.
Further Reading
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- | You can view the full Implementation Plan by clicking here. |
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