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APHA announces temporary exclusion of bovine TB testing in calves
The move follows campaigning by the veterinary profession to allow a greater number of TB herd tests to be completed safely.
Move follows campaigning by the veterinary profession.

The APHA has made a temporary amendment to bovine TB testing (TB) in England and Wales that will allow herd tests to continue safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The amendment allows calves under 180 days old to be excluded from certain routine and targeted surveillance TB tests in OTF herds if, in the vet's opinion, they cannot be tested under social distancing guidelines.

The guidance adds that, as long as the older animals in the herd have tested negative for TB within the relevant testing window, then no movement restrictions will be placed on herds.

The move follows campaigning by the veterinary profession to allow a greater number of TB herd tests to be completed safely.

Welcoming the amendment, BVA's junior vice-president James Russell said: “We are extremely pleased to see this pragmatic approach to bovine TB testing rules following urgent representations to the government by the veterinary profession.

“While we recognise that it will have some effect on the overall interpretation of the TB status of herds, the amendment provides a risk-based approach that prioritises human safety and public health whilst allowing vets and farmers to continue vital animal health work during the Covid-19 restrictions.

“From a longer-term perspective, it will help vets maintain the food supply chain by controlling bovine TB through statutory controls.”

Nikki Hopkins, president of The British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) added: “Clearly, the restrictions everyone faces under COVID-19 requires cooperation between vet and client in new and challenging ways. Each party needs to understand its own obligation to ensure one another’s safety.

“We must all work together, with farming unions and APHA to communicate those responsibilities to our communities in-order to avoid risky interactions. This temporary exemption is a really positive move and hopefully strikes a balance between keeping everyone safe, still maintaining the food chain and bTB surveillance, whilst allowing vets the flexibility to make informed testing decisions on-farm, without the pressure of putting some farms under suspension.”

Normal TB testing procedures still apply in Scotland. The BVA states that, if it’s not possible to safely TB test calves whilst maintaining social distancing, vets must record this on the test chart and the test will be incomplete.

A guide for farm vets and Official Veterinarians on assessing essential care during the Covid-19 pandemic is available to view on the BVA's website.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

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.