The APHA has notified all operators in England in writing of the updated terms and conditions of approval and operation.
AFUs (approved finishing units) (TB130E) and LFUs (licensed finishing units) (TR429) terms and conditions include criteria which must (previously should) be adhered to, including specific guidance on unrelated activities, public access, and other cattle or livestock and wildlife proofing boundaries to prevent localised disease spread and contain undetected infection within bio-secure units.
The NFU urges operators to review the updated terms and conditions in line with operating procedures.
Various criteria must be met such as:
- Secure boundaries with high, smooth walls (1.5m) and gates, and minimal small gaps (7.5cm or less) including gate latches.
- Controlled access to staff and visitors, and the use of dedicated vehicles and machinery.
- Thorough cleansing and approved disinfection of personnel and machinery and the use of PPE.
- Feed, bedding and waste stored securely to prevent wildlife access and must be spread following best practice protocols as stated in the terms and conditions.
Preventing wildlife access
AFUs and LFUs exist to provide an outlet for cattle from TB-affected holdings and are isolated, self-contained cattle units. Cattle are separated, with no direct contact with other cattle, farmed animals or TB-susceptible wildlife.
The following conditions must be met to prevent wildlife access and comply with the terms and conditions:
- Preventing access to stock through double fencing (minimum 3 metre gap) or four strands of taut electric fencing at 10cm, 15cm, 20cm and 30cm above ground, continuously powered by a mains energiser, at least 4-6kV at the farthest point of the fence.
- All electric fencing must be adequately earthed, with regular maintenance and inspections recorded, kept clear of vegetation, or erected over a hard surface i.e. hardcore or concrete is preferred.
- Mesh alone (tornado-type fence) is not accepted as a suitable barrier for preventing badger access.
Operators are reminded to keep robust records of their maintenance and compliance in adherence to the terms and conditions up to date as the APHA inspects units and records without prior notice, including:
- animal movements
- personnel and machinery on the unit
- maintenance of facilities
- records of electric fencing inspections, including voltage & condition (if applicable)
- biosecurity measures and protocols.
For further information, please contact the NFU TB Team via [email protected].
The TB Hub's advice and support on AFUs and LFUs will be updated in due course.
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