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Latest figures for bovine TB
cow
A total of 23,876 cattle were compulsorily slaughtered between January and September 2014.
Short-term fall in UK incidence rate

The Animal Health and Plant Agency (AHPA) has released updated figures on the incidence of bovine TB in cattle in Great Britain.

According to figures released yesterday (December 10), there was a fall in new herd incidents and compulsory slaughters between January and September this year. However, Defra says these figures should be considered in the context of long-term trends. Further revisions of the TB incidence rates are possible as more data is gathered.

Key figures
  • There were 3,373 new herd incidents between January and September 2014, compared to 3,491 in the same period last year.
  • A total of 23,876 cattle were compulsorily slaughtered as reactors or direct contacts, compared to 24,616 in 2013.
  • There were 56,904 tests on officially TB free herds, compared to 52,631 last year.
  • Provisional incidence rate for January to September this year was 4.0 per cent. In the same period last year, the figure was 4.4 per cent.

However, Defra has warned against putting too much emphasis on short-term figures. Overall, there has been an upward trend in bTB figures since 1996.

Bovine TB has a serious impact on the food and farming industries. In 2012, the cost of a herd breakdown in high risk parts of England was estimated to be £14,000 for the farmer and £20,000 for the government.

For the full report, visit the AHPA's website: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/incidence-of-tuberculosis-tb-in-cattle-in-great-britain

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.