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Welsh government adjusts bovine TB testing rules
Around 10,000 cattle are slaughtered each year in Wales because of bovine TB.
Changes have been made in response to industry feedback.

The Welsh government has adjusted its rules around bovine TB testing in Wales after meeting with farmers.

In TB incidents, there will no longer be routine testing of calves younger than 42 days old unless the TB risk from these animals is considered high.

Routine surveillance testing in Approved Finishing Units (AFUs), or Licensed Finishing Units, is ceasing, unless the risk is considered high. Slaughterhouse post-mortem surveillance will still provide protection to the food chain.

Default skin testing of a herd, following slaughterhouse suspicion alone, will no longer be a requirement. A herd check test will no longer needed if the sample from the suspect animal identified at inspection in a slaughterhouse is negative on laboratory testing.

However, if the slaughterhouse sample test result is positive, the herd will be marked forward for a further test 60 days after the animal left the herd. This test will count as the first breakdown test.

Tracing tests will continue to be used to reduce the risk of TB spread through movements of cattle from TB breakdown herds. However, data analysis of trace tests, currently supports a move away from trace testing of all cattle moved in low risk situations. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will continue to assess the requirement for these types of tests.

Huw Irranca-Davies, cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs, said: “Since my appointment in March, I have made a point of meeting farmers, vets and others across the industry to listen to their concerns around TB and the burden and anxieties these can cause.

“I’m pleased to be able to announce today that further changes - which have been made in response to industry feedback - are now in place.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.