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Bovine Tuberculosis

Further to the announcement made by my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 15 December 2005 (col. 166WS), the Government are announcing today that the introduction of a requirement for the pre-movement testing of cattle to help reduce the risk of spreading bovine TB through movements of cattle in England has been put back from 20 February to 27 March. From 27 March it will be a statutory requirement that cattle aged over 15 months moving out of a 1–2 yearly tested herd must have tested negative to a TB test within 60 days prior to movement unless the herd or movement is exempt. The short delay in introducing the measure is a result of concerns raised by the farming industry and veterinary profession and will give the industry more time to prepare for the measure. In addition an independent adviser will be appointed to carry out a rapid survey of veterinary capacity and preparedness to deliver the new requirements for pre-movement testing. The detail of the pre-movement testing policy will not be subject to review.