Details of the TB Programme

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Our Eradication Programme includes a robust TB testing regime and is vital to safeguarding NI’s £1,000 million plus export-dependent livestock and livestock products industry. Approximately 90% of our herds are free to engage in such international trade at any time. Securing annual EU approval for the TB Eradication Programme in compliance with the Animal Health Law continues to be a priority to ensure continued access to its important export market.

In NI, live animal surveillance is undertaken using 4 diagnostic methods:

  • Bovine tuberculosis Clinical examination of animals – If any animal shows signs that are suspected to be due to TB then legally this must be reported to DAERA.
  • The TB skin test – herds and animals (except for direct export) are tested using the Comparative Intradermal Tuberculin (CITT) test.
  • The Single Intradermal Tuberculin test –this is the TB skin test required for export certification and only the bovine tuberculin reaction is considered. The CITT is carried out but the avian response would not be taken into consideration
  • Interferon Gamma testing – (a blood test) where considered epidemiologically necessary, as a supplementary test to the CITT.

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