Skin testing

The main screening test for TB in cattle in Great Britain is the single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin test (SICCT). This is commonly known as the tuberculin skin test, which is used throughout the world in its various formats to screen cattle, other animals and people for TB. It’s the internationally accepted standard for detecting Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) infection in live animals. Rather than detect the bacterium itself, tests for bovine TB in live animals generally detect and measure the animal’s immune response to the bacterium.

Brown cows grazing - Bovine TB

Statutory TB testing of bovines in England

A PowerPoint by the Animal & Plant Health Agency explaining the policy behind statutory TB testing of bovines.

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VET ADMINISTERING BOVINE TUBERCULIN INJECTION, FOR SKIN TEST

Inconclusive reactor (IR) fact sheet

A summary of the key points about inconclusive reactors - what they are and what action is taken.

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Young cows in a field - Bovine TB

Six-monthly testing in the High Risk Area of England

Increasing the frequency of TB surveillance testing across the HRA of England.

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TB testing on a farm - TB hub

Post-movement testing in the Low Risk Area

Information about statutory post-movement testing of cattle in the Low Risk Area of England.

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Bison

TB skin testing of bison in GB

Information about TB skin testing in bison and sources of support and advice for keepers.

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Cow grazing in the sun - Bovine TB

Radial testing in the Edge Area

A comprehensive guide on radial testing around TB breakdowns in the Edge Area of England.

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Viles of Avian and Bovine Tuberculin - TB hub

Tuberculin skin test fact sheet

A summary of the key points about the tuberculin skin test used to detect TB in cattle.

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Holstein cattle grazing - Bovine TB

Policy on resolved IRs in England

A comprehensive guide about restriction of resolved inconclusive reactors for life in England.

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Avian Tuberculin - Bovine TB

Approved Tuberculin Testers in England and Wales

Use of ATTs for TB skin testing of cattle in private veterinary practices in England and Wales.

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Herd of young cows in the field - TB hub

Radial testing in the Low Risk Area

A comprehensive guide on radial testing around TB breakdowns in the Low Risk Area of England.

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Veterinary partners - Bovine TB

Veterinary delivery partners

Veterinary delivery partners carry out TB testing of cattle and non-bovine farm animals in England and Wales.

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Vet examining cows - TB Hub

Overdue TB testing

Find out about what happens when cattle keepers are late in completing their TB test.

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Vet examining cows - TB Hub

In-depth information about the skin test

A comprehensive guide with all you need to know about the tuberculin skin test.

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Cows in a Pasture with a Wind Farm in Background

Post-movement TB testing in the Edge Area

On 1st August 2023, post-movement testing will apply in annual testing parts of the Edge Area in England.

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Skin test

Interpretation of the skin test in Great Britain

Information about the different interpretations of the skin test in England, Wales and Scotland.

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Herd of cows in the summertime - Bovine TB

Surveillance TB skin testing areas in Great Britain

Information about the frequency of surveillance TB testing in England, Wales and Scotland.

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Loading cows on to a transporter - TB hub

Pre-movement TB testing in Great Britain

Information about statutory pre-movement testing of cattle in England, Wales and Scotland.

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Heifers at sunset - Bovine TB

Pre-sale check test for four-yearly testing herds

Voluntary government-funded pre-sale check tests for four-yearly testing herds in England.

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