There will be some changes to the TB testing rules in the intermediate TB areas (ITBAs) of Wales coming into force on 1st February this year.

All cattle moved in from the High Risk Area of England (HRA) and from Northern Ireland will need a post-movement test (PoMT). Welsh Government is making this change in response to an increase in the spread of TB into the ITBAs, some of which is due to movements into these areas from higher risk areas of the UK. The PoMT must be no sooner than 60 days and no later than 120 days after their arrival on the holding in the ITBAs. Cattle requiring a PoMT may only be moved off the holding before their PoMT in limited circumstances, for example, if the animal is sent to slaughter.
It will be your responsibility to book and pay for the PoMT with us, as with pre-movement testing. A government-funded test will count as a PoMT provided it is carried out 60 to 120 days after the movement on. If you are testing the animals as part of a herd test please inform the TB tester at the time of the test which animals are due for a PoMT. If any test finds a reactor or inconclusive reactor, movement restrictions will automatically and immediately be applied to the whole herd.

APHA will write each month to anyone who brought in cattle that may require a PoMT. However, it is your responsibility to arrange testing of all eligible animals and to ensure it is completed within the required timeframe, even if this information is not provided by APHA.
If you have any queries about PoMT or would like to book in a test please call the TB team on 01948 302135.

Furthermore, information on how long a herd has been officially TB free will be published through the ibTB website, as is currently the case in England. This information can help you to assess TB risk when buying bovine animals and we would strongly encourage you to make use of this resource. Please speak to your vet for further information on this.
For more information – www.ibtb.co.uk