Introduction
BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS ( bTB) : Caused by Mycobacterium bovis; the disease is characterised by the development of "tuberculous" lesions in any organ of the body. bTB mainly affects cattle but can be passed to and by all mammals, including Humans.
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Bovine tuberculosis is a notifiable disease and any suspicious clinical signs or lesions should be notified to the local DVM. Herds with reactor cattle are placed under movement restrictions and reactor cattle removed and compulsorily slaughtered, as well as those considered to have been in direct contact. bTB seriously disrupts farm businesses and can be very expensive, therefore even farmers in areas with little history of bTB breakdowns should consider how they can keep bTB out of their herds.
The following link contains information on suggested precautionary measures.
Legislative Details
Legislation is in place to help reduce the spread of, and hopefully eradicate, bovine tuberculosis. As of 23rd September 2005, new tighter movement controls will be in place to enhance the current procedures.
The new legislation means that all cattle moving to a Scottish farm from one in a high risk area must undergo pre & post movement tuberculin tests. These are to be carried out within the 60 days prior to movement, and 60-120 days after movement across the border.
The following links allow access to the legislative details, which include a FAQ section on the new legislation.
High Risk Areas
High risk areas are those that lie in Parishes with tuberculin tests set at 1 or 2 yearly intervals. A map is attached which shows the high risk areas, including the County/Parish/Herd (CPH) number of the areas affected.
Please note, you should always check with the vendor/local AHDO as to the bTB testing interval. It is up to the Scottish purchaser to make sure that the required tests are carried out, and failure to test cattle from a hot spot will result in movement restrictions while the appropriate tests are carried out as per the legislation.
For further detail, the following link gives information on bTB, its clinical signs and ways to control its spread.
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