NFU launches Bovine TB pre-movement testing survey

The NFU is asking its members for help in gathering information about pre-movement testing for bovine TB.

Pre-movement testing was introduced in England in March 2006 as part of Defra’s bovine TB strategy.

At present cattle less than 15 months old are exempt from pre-movement testing, although there is a threat that this exemption could be lifted in March 2007 to include animals from 42 days old.

The NFU is looking for information from the farming population in England that will provide sound economic evidence as to the real cost of pre-movement testing.

It is also asking for the ages of all reactor cattle from all TB tests, including routine tests, in the past 24 months in order to gain a better understanding of how age influences disease susceptibility.

To gather the information, a questionnaire has been posted on NFU Online for NFU members to fill out and submit.

The information will be analysed and it is hoped the responses can be used to build and direct the NFU’s future position and discussions with Defra around this issue.

Non NFU members are also welcome to complete the questionnaire. Details of how they can obtain copies are provided on NFU Online.