Cattle farmers undergoing bTB (bovine TB) restrictions can use TBIUs (TB isolation units) as a secure route to move cattle off infected premises so that these animals can be tested, regain TB free status and be sold, or go to slaughter.
The TBIUs can source cattle under licence from a single TB-restricted holding, allowing farmers to continue management of their TB-restricted herds, if rearing facilities are not sufficient.
TBIUs operate to the strictest biosecurity, and are effectively stocked and then ‘sealed’ until a period of quarantine and repeat testing is complete.
The move to extend the filling period for TBIUs represents a significant policy win for NFU.
Working alongside the previous GB Calf Strategy’s bTB subgroup, with the long-standing aim of increasing access for TB-restricted cattle into licensed TB units, the NFU has lobbied for this extension to allow greater flow within the supply chain and ensure maximum efficiency which is essential to increasing the practicality of setting up viable TBIUs.
Easing the burden on TB-restricted farms
This is an increase from the previous 42-day filling period for TBIUs, allowing greater flexibility and efficiency not only for TBIU owners, but for farmers with TB-restricted herds.
Defra has indicated a further extension to the filling period would be considered following a period of monitoring and TB risk evaluation.
The policy change will allow greater flexibility to take advantage of calving patterns to ensure the maximum number of animals can be received from one source, allow calves to reach a more resilient age before movement, and reduce disease pressure and overstocking on source farms already experiencing a TB breakdown.
“Not only will the increase help ease the burden on TB restricted farms, but it will also help boost productivity and efficiency within the supply chain.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
Responding to the news, NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “The NFU has long been calling for an extension to TB Isolation Unit filling periods, working in collaboration with NFU Cymru, Defra, the Welsh government and APHA. It’s great to see this now coming to fruition.
“Not only will the increase help ease the burden on TB restricted farms, but it will also help boost productivity and efficiency within the supply chain. We will continue to work with Defra as it monitors the situation.”
TBIU terms and conditions are available on GOV.UK and information on TB hub will be updated in due course to reflect this change.
