Pre-movement testing concession welcomed

A Government concession on the cost of additional testing of cattle for bovine tuberculosis has been welcomed by the NFU.

As part of its strategy for reducing the spread of bovine TB, the Government introduced on March 26 a requirement that, subject to certain limited exemptions, cattle aged over 15 months in the areas of the country where TB is most prevalent should be tested clear of the disease before being moved off farm.

While understanding the contribution that this so-called "pre-movement testing" can make to reducing the risk of TB spread, the NFU has been seriously concerned as to the extra costs that this would impose on farms already suffering financial damage as a result of being in TB hotspot areas.

In response to that concern, the Government today (Wednesday) announced that it would meet the cost of one pre-movement test per farm, in the period from February 20 to June 30 this year.

NFU Deputy President Meurig Raymond said: "This will help to alleviate at least some of the extra financial burden that farmers in the TB areas will have to shoulder as a result of pre-movement testing.

"It will also give Defra extra time to issue licenses for exempt fattening units and mean that farmers who may be able to take advantage of them are not penalised in the meantime.

"Farmers are more than ready to play their full part in stopping the hugely damaging spread of bovine TB, but to be worthwhile, pre-movement testing must be part of an overall strategy that includes action to deal with the reservoir of infection in wildlife."