Programme Overview

In recent years we have seen a significant increase in bTB levels nationally. This is leading to stress for farmers who have suffered a bTB outbreak and for those who are living in fear of having a TB outbreak. It cannot be left to continue unchecked

It is important to protect all farm families from bTB by supporting farmers in reducing the risk of a bTB outbreak and providing the necessary tools and supports to farmers to deal with a bTB outbreak.

The Bovine TB Programme includes targeted measures to address the increasing levels of bTB and support farmers to reduce risks and strengthen on-farm biosecurity

There are five high-level measures and 30 actions in the Plan based on scientific research, evidence and veterinary expertise:

1. Support herds free of bTB to remain free
2. Reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of bTB
3. Detect and eliminate bTB infection as early as possible in herds with a bTB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown
4. Help farmers improve all areas of on-farm biosecurity
5. Reduce the impact of known high-risk animals in spreading bTB

The wording “ (!) H: This animal was in an exposed cohort in a high-risk breakdown” appears on all farm-to-farm movement compliance certificates since 13/04/26.

This is an explanatory note displayed on all compliance certificates

The inclusion of the H notation for individual animals will be introduced in the coming weeks to coincide with its introduction on livestock mart display screens.

Where there is a H animal on a compliance certificate the letter H will appear at the start of the compliance certificate number. Any animal on that certificate that was an exposed cohort in a high-risk breakdown at any point in its life will have the letter H before its tag number

Unless the letter H appears at the beginning of an individual tag number then the animal has not been part of an exposed cohort in a high-risk breakdown.