Factsheets

There are many factsheets available across the site and here you can find them all in one place.

TB testing

Statutory TB testing of bovines in England

A PowerPoint by the Animal & Plant Health Agency.

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Inconclusive reactors (IRs) in England

Read about inconclusive reactors (IRs) in England and the actions taken when they are found.

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Cattle attending agricultural shows

Summary of the statutory TB testing requirements for cattle moving to and from agricultural shows.

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VET ADMINISTERING BOVINE TUBERCULIN INJECTION, FOR SKIN TEST

The tuberculin skin test

Information about the tuberculin skin test used to detect TB in cattle - how it works and how accurate it is.

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Interferon-gamma test PowerPoint

What is the interferon-gamma blood test and why do we use it? Find out more with this comprehensive PowerPoint.

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M. bovis PCR test

Find out about APHA's polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that detects TB in post-mortem tissue samples.

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The interferon-gamma blood test

Find out about how this supplementary blood test is used in cattle.

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TB whole genome sequencing

Find out about this molecular technique to identify different strains of the TB bacterium.

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TB breakdown

Loading cows on to a transporter - TB hub

New TB breakdowns in England: information at a glance

Basic information to help you navigate the early stages of a TB breakdown in cattle.

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TB Isolation Units in England

TBIUs provide an outlet for calves or store cattle from a single TB-restricted holding with the aim of testing to regain officially TB free status.

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Approved Finishing Units (Enhanced) with grazing in England

AFUEs are permitted in the High Risk Area of England and must comply with strict biosecurity conditions.

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Approved Finishing Units (AFU) without grazing in England

AFUs can source cattle from multiple TB-restricted and unrestricted farms for rearing, fattening and finishing.

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TB in the environment

Survival of M. bovis in feed, water and soil

Read about how long the TB bacterium survives in the farm environment.

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electric fences to deter badgers and cattle from a silage clamp – TB Hub

Survival of M. bovis in cattle faeces

Find answers to your questions about the TB risk from slurry and manure.

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Biosecurity

Protect your herd from TB poster

A printable poster of the bovine TB biosecurity five point plan.

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Responsible cattle movements

Guidance leaflet with advice about considering TB risk when buying cattle.

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Check an animal's TB history before buying

Poster with questions to ask about TB history when purchasing cattle.

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Responsible cattle movements

TB free England leaflet for cattle keepers in the Low Risk Area.

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Using disinfectants correctly

Read this worked example for getting the correct dilution rate.

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Farm level bovine TB reports

Find out how these reports from APHA can help you and your vet.

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Biosecurity information sheets

These information sheets describe various practical biosecurity measures that you can take on-farm to protect your cattle herd from TB. For each measure, there is an explanation of how it works, how it’s been tested, approximate costs of materials (correct as of January 2017), case studies and recommendations.

Badger proof gates protecting farm buildings - Bovine TB

Sheeted gates

Replacing horizontal barred gates with solid sheeted gates mounted close to the ground provides a secure barrier against access by badgers.

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Galvanised steel panels

Attaching solid, galvanised steel panels to existing gates, fences and gaps in building walls can prevent badgers from entering cattle yards and buildings.

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Badger proof gates on farm buildings - TB Hub

Adjustable gate sections

Existing gates can be fitted with adjustable sections (flaps, bars, panels) at the bottom to prevent badgers from gaining access beneath them.

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Roller doors and blinds

Roller doors, shutters and blinds that fit flush to even ground are a highly effective method of preventing badgers from accessing farm buildings.

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Feed storage containers

Secure feed stores are preferable for large amounts of feed, but secure storage containers with lids will prevent badgers getting into bags of cattle feed.

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Electric fencing around hay storage - Bovine TB

Electric fencing: badgers

Low, four-strand electric fencing can be erected to specifically prevent badgers from entering yards, clamps, clusters of buildings and other areas on farm.

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Electric fencing: cattle

A temporary standard electric stock fence can create a buffer to prevent cattle grazing over areas where there are badger setts, latrines and runs.

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New fencing being installed on a farm - TB Hub

Wire mesh fencing

Wire mesh fencing can be erected to restrict badgers from entering large areas, or used to secure smaller gaps between buildings.

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Group of people discussing troughs on a farm - TB hub

Feed and water troughs

To prevent badger access, water and feed troughs can be raised, and mechanisms such as rollers or outward sloping surfaces installed.

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Mineral licks

Elevated mineral lick holders with features such as smooth outward sloping surfaces, and stands to raise buckets to a safe height can prevent badgers from gaining access and are available commercially.

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Double perimeter livestock fencing

A double perimeter stock fence can maintain a sufficient distance between herds to prevent nose to nose or close contact with neighbouring cattle, which is particularly important for farms with multiple land parcels.

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