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HomeFarming NewsCovid-19 Level 5: TB testing – what farmers should know
Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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Covid-19 Level 5: TB testing – what farmers should know

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has introduced certain flexibilities in relation to the TB testing of cattle.

These are the same conditions applied during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, and their re-introduction follows discussions with stakeholder organisations.

The move enables the safe continuation of the TB testing element of the Irish bovine TB eradication programme, whilst the country is placed under Level 5 restrictions.

The two key points are:
  1. A 28-day grace period will be applied from the due date of the annual round test before a herd is automatically restricted. This will enable farmers with concerns about COVID19 to delay their round test and continue trading while they make appropriate arrangements for up to 28 days before a restriction applies;
  2. Calves aged 42-120 days are not required to be included in a herd TB test, unless both the farmer and the vet agree that it is safe to do so. This exemption does not apply to reactor retest. If calves under 120 days are not tested, they will be eligible for movement once the herd retains its free status, until they reach 120 days of age.

Protocol

Since March 2020, DAFM has published a protocol on COVID19 and TB testing which has been updated at least monthly, and which contains guidance for farmers and vets and details on how TB testing can be carried out safely in compliance with HSE guidance.

This protocol will be updated to reflect the re-introduction of the two changes outlined above and will contain further details of how they apply in practice, according to the department.

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The COVID19/TB protocol can be seen at www.bovinetb.ie.

“These changes will be subject to ongoing review and may be updated based on HSE guidance and the COVID19 situation, as they have been regularly revised since March 2020.” a DAFM spokesperson added.

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