The existing POSTMT (post-movement testing) policy in the Low-Risk Area has been extended to aid early detection and minimise the risk of disease spread from inward cattle movements. APHA estimate these movements are responsible for a fifth of all new breakdowns in the Edge Area.
How this may affect farms
The requirement for POSTMT is based on areas testing intervals, rather than variations in the individual herd tests.
APHA have written to all cattle keepers that these changes apply to.
Know your area test interval
Both buyers and sellers should make sure that they know their area test interval both for accurate self-declaration (for vendors) and for informed purchasing decisions (for buyers).
These can be checked at: APHA | TB testing interval search
Earned recognition
Cattle herds in the six-monthly testing parts of the Edge Area which meet certain criteria are eligible for annual surveillance testing under ‘earned recognition’ rules.
However, vendors and buyers must be aware that cattle from herds which have ‘earned recognition’ will be subject to POSTMT even when they are purchased by a farmer located in an area where there is an annual testing measure in place.
More details of exemptions that may be in place for specific scenarios can be found at:
TB Hub | Post-movement testing in annual surveillance testing parts of the Edge Area
Interactive bovine TB risk areas map
AHDB have released a helpful interactive map that outlines the different bovine TB risk areas across Great Britain.
The map allows farmers to see what the new policy changes means to each area. The tool will also aid early detection and minimise the risk of disease spread from inward cattle movements. APHA estimate these movements are responsible for a fifth of all new breakdowns in the Edge Area.
Find this at: TB Hub | Bovine TB Breakdown Map - Risk Areas, Great Britain
Image (left): A map of the bovine TB risk areas in Great Britain. Herds located in the Edge Area (annual) are affected by the policy change outlined on this page.
Image source: Defra
| Edge Area Counties | High Risk Area Counties | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual testing | Six month testing | Six month testing |
| Berkshire (East) | Berkshire (West) | Avon |
| Buckinghamshire | Cheshire | Cornwall |
| Derbyshire (North) | Derbyshire (excluding North) | Devon |
| East Sussex | Hampshire (Northwest) | Dorset |
| Hampshire (excluding North West) | Oxfordshire | Gloucestershire |
| Leicestershire | Warwickshire | Herefordshire |
| Northamptonshire | Shropshire | |
| Nottinghamshire | Somerset | |
| Staffordshire | ||
| West Midlands | ||
| Wiltshire | ||
| Worcestershire | ||
You can download a spreadsheet which details the testing patterns for each parish in the regions of Berkshire, Derbyshire and Hampshire at: TB Testing Edge Areas – by parish
Financial support
Cattle keepers are responsible for the cost of post-movement testing however a government funded whole herd surveillance test can also be utilised if the timings allow.
Cattle keepers will be required to compulsory post-movement test animals over 42 days old (including farmed bison and Asiatic water buffalo) within 60 - 120 days of arriving in the annual surveillance part of the edge area.
Additional guidance can also be found on the UK government website: Bovine TB: detailed information | GOV.UK