Pre-movement testing
Pre-movement testing is an important tool for the control of bovine Tuberculosis. This section contains information to assist veterinary surgeons conducting pre-movement testing.
Pre-movement testing in England
It is a statutory requirement that all cattle over 42 days old moving out of a 1 or 2 yearly tested herd must have tested negative to a TB test within 60 days prior to movement unless the herd or movement meets an exemption.
All pre-movement tests must be arranged and paid for by the herd owner. However, routine bTB surveillance tests paid for by the Government qualify as pre-movement tests, if animals are moved within 60 days after that test. Herd owners can ask for additional animals to be included in their routine herd test if they wish to move those animals within 60 days of this test.
Herd owners should think ahead and provide plenty of notice so they get their pre-movement test done when they need it.
It must also be remembered that the pre-movement testing rules apply to cattle movements to and from both grass keep and linked holdings, unless the herd or movement is exempt.
Defra are planning a review of pre-movement testing following the period of peak cattle movements in autumn 2008.
Pre-movement testing in Wales
Welsh herd owners must pre-movement test all cattle over 42 days old moving out of 1 or 2 yearly tested herd within 60 days prior to movement, unless the herd or the movement is exempt. Further information is available on the Welsh Assembly Government website
Pre- and post-movement testing in Scotland
Scottish herd owners must ensure all cattle over 42 days old, originating from 1 or 2 yearly testing parishes are pre-movement tested before they move from or enter any Scottish herd. Assuming that the required pre-movement testing has been done, keepers in Scotland need to make arrangements to conduct post-movement testing of these cattle 60-120 days after they arrived on their holding. Further information is available on the Scottish Government website