From 1 January 2015 the existing cross-compliance penalties for late TB tests will be extended to include all types of TB tests, except those which result from tracings following a TB breakdown elsewhere.
You must speak to your local APHA office as soon as you think you won’t be able to carry out your TB tests by the due date. If there were extenuating circumstances preventing the completion of the test within the notified window you must provide evidence, in writing to APHA as soon as possible, and no later than 10 days after the testing window closes. This evidence, which might include the vet not being available at short notice, weather conditions or a serious emergency, will be considered prior to referral to the RPA.
Where a test is overdue by between 1 and 10 days, a 1% reduction will generally be applied. Where a test is overdue by between 11 and 30 days, a 3% reduction will generally be applied. Tests overdue by more than 30 days will generally result in a 5% reduction.
Minette Batters, NFU Deputy President, said: “It is crucial for disease control that TB tests are carried out on time and the vast majority of farmers are already doing this.
“But while control of this disease is absolutely essential, this shouldn’t be used as a blunt instrument where farmers have arranged to get a test done on time but have been unable to do so for reasons beyond their control, like no vet being available or a vet cancelling an appointment.
“We have raised concerns with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) about whether they are actually checking the information linked to late tests to see if there are any genuine extenuating circumstances or simply fining all farmers who are late with a test. We have also raised concerns with Defra about whether veterinary practices and APHA staff are providing the RPA with mitigating information in cases where there has been a genuine reason for a delayed test which was beyond the farmer’s control.
“On those occasions when farmers are unable to get tests done on time for legitimate reasons it is vital that they work with the APHA to make them aware of their situation as soon as they can and to arrange a test as quickly as possible."