New rules TB rules introduced in Scotland

In recognition of the low and stable incidence of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in Scottish herds, the European Commission granted Scotland officially bovine tuberculosis free (OTF) status in September 2009.

To maintain OTF status, we must remain vigilant and ensure the number of bTB incursions from outside Scotland are minimised. To do this new rules for cattle being brought into Scotland will come into effect at the end of this month.

From February 28, cattle being moved from low incidence TB areas of England must have a negative TB test no more than 60 days before movement and no less than 60 days after any previous test prior to being transported to Scotland.

Exceptions will apply to cattle which:

• can be shown to have spent their entire lives in low incidence areas,

• cattle being sent directly to slaughter and

• calves less than 42 days old.

Movement monitoring undertaken by the Scottish Government since 2005 has identified roughly 200 cattle each month coming to Scotland from low incidence areas which had previously been in, or originated from, high incidence TB areas. This route of transit poses a potential threat to Scotland’s OTF status and these cattle will now be tested under the new system.

Additional changes for cattle imported to Scotland from Northern Ireland will also be introduced. Importers of cattle to Scotland from Northern Ireland will have to arrange and pay for post-movement testing after February 28 unless the imported stock will be sent to slaughter within 120 days of import. This change will bring the arrangements for cattle coming from Northern Ireland in line with the arrangements for movements from other parts of the UK. In addition, ’approved isolation units’ (currently available to cattle from Northern Ireland as an alternative to post movement testing) will be phased out over the course of 2010.

Officially bovine tuberculosis free status provides reassurance to buyers of live cattle and allows regions to consider more flexible strategies for routine surveillance and testing. The Scottish Government will continue routine surveillance TB testing and commission further research to ensure that the optimum surveillance strategies are in place to maintain Scotland’s OTF status.