Defra chief vet answers criticism over impact of post-movement testing on shows

Dear Sir,

I’d like to address concerns raised by the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO) on the impact post-movement TB testing may have on farmers taking cattle out of the Low Risk Area (LRA) of England to multi-day shows.

Let’s start with the big picture – and that’s our 25 year strategy to rid England of bTB, our ambition to eradicate this disease which has cost taxpayers £500 million over the last decade, often costing individual farmers their livelihoods.

While compulsory post-movement testing of cattle entering the LRA came into force on 6 April, readers will remember we announced the measure last year after consulting farmers. As with all elements of that 25 year strategy, it is designed to counter the threat of bTB and is based on evidence.

Of course, I recognise the importance of Agricultural Shows. Highlights of the farming calendar, they are an important part of our rural heritage. Nevertheless, we know of significant and costly TB outbreaks in the LRA in recent years where attendance at shows has been the most likely cause of TB transmission into the herds.

We acknowledge arrangements may not be as straightforward for exhibitors this year and are meeting with the ASAO and National Beef Association soon to further discuss those arrangements. Already, some exemptions are available and post-movement testing can be avoided if shows attended outside the LRA involve a stay on the show ground of less than 24 hours and the cattle are not housed while they’re there.

However, I do believe we are right to introduce the measure, and to view it as part of that big picture - the need to work together to achieve TB-free status.

Nigel Gibbens CBE, Chief Vet