Bovine tuberculosis (TB) poses a huge threat to farm animals and can be a worry of farmers’.
Figures from by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) show a rise in the number of reactors in 2023.
The data released by the DAFM shows that in the 12-month period from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, 28,868 TB test reactions were detected in cattle, compared to 23,337 in the same 12-month period of 2022.
Bovine TB has become a huge frustration for farmers with the eradiation programme now running much longer than had been planned.
Although it may seem like you are fighting an upwards battle, there are measures that should be adopted on farms to prevent the spread and a breakdown in your herd.
Genetics
In herds where TB has been an issue in the past, selective culling of older animals should be considered – particularly in cases where they may have preciously come into contact with an infected animal.
This may help to reduce the likelihood of you having a reactor in future tests.
Within the economic breeding index (EBI), you can select sires with higher resistance to bovine TB – which for herds that are continually impacted by breakdowns, could be something to consider when selecting sires.
Although it will not completely eliminate the risk, it could help to prevent breakdowns from occurring.
E.g., one of the most well-known sires in recent years Kilfeacle Pivotal, has a poor performance when it comes to bovine TB resistance.
Purchasing stock
Ideally, you should avoid the purchasing of animals into your herd, as they have the potential to introduce disease into your herd.
If you are purchasing in stock you should do extensive research into the herd you are purchasing the stock from.
The current TB status of the herd and other herds in the area should be looked at, along with the herds TB history.
Some dairy farms now use contracting rearing of heifers as a way to reduce the workload on farms.
Bovine TB
Preventing your livestock from coming into direct or indirect contact with wildlife is a key way to control outbreaks.
If you have badger sets on your farm, you should notify DAFM and prevent livestock from accessing them.
Troughs should be at least 1m off the ground and all concentrates storage should be wildlife proof. This is a key measure in pending potential TB breakdowns from occurring in herds.