TB breakdown: what to do now

These actions are mandatory and time-critical. Failure to comply affects your compensation.

Movement restrictions now in effect

From the moment the TB2 notice is served:

• No cattle can move OFF your holding (except to slaughter with a licence)
• No cattle can move ONTO your holding (very limited exceptions)
• This applies to ALL cattle on the holding, not just reactors
• Restrictions remain until you pass the required clearing tests

If you have cattle movements already planned (sales, shows, movements to other holdings), you must cancel or postpone them. Contact buyers or show organisers immediately.

APHA will manage your breakdown, arrange reactor removal, and schedule follow-up testing. Cooperating fully protects your compensation and helps resolve the breakdown faster.

Reactor removal

APHA will arrange collection and slaughter of reactor cattle within 10 working days of identification. You need to:

• Keep reactors isolated until collection
• Have reactors available and accessible when the haulier arrives
• Ensure reactors are clean at collection (unclean animals result in 50% compensation reduction)
• Hand over cattle passports to the haulier

If you prefer, you can arrange private slaughter yourself using a TB24 licence from APHA. However, you will pay transport costs and receive only salvage value instead of table compensation.

Inconclusive reactors (IRs)

Some animals may show an inconclusive reaction rather than a clear positive. These animals must be:

• Isolated and movement restricted
• Re-tested at minimum 60 days after the original test
• Slaughtered as reactors if they show a second inconclusive result

In the High Risk Area, Edge Area, or breakdown herds, animals that resolve from IR status are restricted to the holding where they were found for life.

Follow-up testing schedule

During your breakdown, APHA will schedule short interval tests to monitor your herd:

• Tests are typically every 60 days
• Tests are at severe interpretation (more sensitive than standard tests)
• APHA arranges and pays for these surveillance tests
• You must present all cattle for testing - missing animals can extend restrictions

Be available for testing dates. If you cannot make a scheduled date, contact APHA immediately to rearrange - do not let testing become overdue.

You receive compensation for compulsorily slaughtered reactor cattle. However, compensation only covers the animal's market value - not your business losses from the breakdown.

What compensation does NOT cover

Be prepared for uncompensated costs during your breakdown:

• Lost breeding potential or genetic value above market price
• Business losses from movement restrictions (lost sales, unable to fulfil contracts)
• Additional housing, feed, and labour costs while cattle are restricted
• Cost of additional private testing (if you choose to pay for extra tests)
• Loss of farm assurance certification or premium markets

The median direct cost of a TB breakdown is around £6,600 for typical herds, rising to £18,600 or more for larger herds (300+ cattle). Much of this is uncompensated.

Movement restrictions may last months or even years. Planning ahead can help you manage the financial and practical impact.

How long will restrictions last?

It depends on how your breakdown is classified. An OTF-Suspended (OTF-S) breakdown needs one clear short interval test; an OTF-Withdrawn (OTF-W) breakdown needs 2 consecutive clear tests at severe interpretation (60 days apart). You must also complete cleansing and disinfection.

• Best case: 4-6 months if you clear quickly
• Average: 12-18 months
• Chronic breakdowns: Some farms have been under restrictions for 5+ years

Early and thorough action on biosecurity can help reduce the length of your breakdown.

Licensed movements that may be possible

With APHA approval (allow 5+ working days to process), some movements may be licensed:

• To slaughter (red market): No additional test required
• To Approved Finishing Unit (AFU): Clear test within 90 days required
• To TB dedicated sale (orange market): Clear test within 90 days required
• To another TB-restricted holding: Clear test within 30 days required

Plan ahead for any sales. Contact APHA early to request licences and check which markets or buyers can accept TB-restricted cattle.

Financial support during restrictions

While there is no specific hardship fund for TB breakdowns, other support may be available:

Tax and cash flow

• Compensation is taxable: Reactor compensation counts as trading income for tax purposes
• Talk to HMRC early: If cash flow is tight, contact HMRC to discuss payment arrangements before you miss deadlines
• Review your insurance: Some farm business insurance policies cover TB-related losses - check your policy
• Talk to your bank: If restrictions affect your ability to meet loan payments, contact your bank early

Impact on neighbours

Your TB breakdown may trigger contiguous testing of neighbouring cattle herds. APHA will contact neighbours directly - you do not need to notify them, but maintaining good relations helps. Your neighbours' cattle will be tested at government expense.

Accurate records are essential during a breakdown. Keep all correspondence and documentation.

Your goal is to pass the required clearing tests and regain Officially Tuberculosis Free (OTF) status. Here is what is required:

Clearing test requirements

1. Pass the clearing tests: One clear short interval test for an OTF-S breakdown; 2 consecutive clear tests at severe interpretation, 60 days apart, for an OTF-W breakdown
2. Complete cleansing and disinfection: After the second clear test, C&D any housing where reactors were kept
3. Return signed BT05 form: Confirm C&D is complete
4. APHA serves TB10 form: This restores your OTF status and lifts restrictions

Post-breakdown requirements

Even after regaining OTF status, your herd may face enhanced surveillance:

• More frequent testing than standard for your area (often 6-monthly for a period)
• Animals that were inconclusive reactors (resolved IRs) remain restricted to your holding for life
• Consider implementing enhanced biosecurity to prevent re-infection

Reducing your risk of future breakdowns

• Wildlife management: Prevent cattle accessing badger setts and latrines; raise feed and water troughs; store feed securely
• Cattle management: Minimise boundary contact with neighbouring cattle; use double-fencing where practical; isolate new arrivals until post-movement testing complete
• Buying decisions: Know the TB history of herds you buy from; consider buying only from Low Risk Area herds or herds with long clear testing history