Bovine TB Surveillance Testing in England - Herd Testing Frequency Updated
Summary
The Animal and Plant Health Agency has updated its bovine TB surveillance testing policy for England, clarifying that cattle in herds located in TB Hotspots and Enhanced Surveillance Areas in the Low Risk Area (LRA) may now be tested as frequently as every 6 months. Previously, only herds in TB Hotspots were subject to this testing frequency. The update also clarifies statutory pre-movement testing requirements for herds tested annually or more frequently in the LRA, reflecting the introduction of 24-month testing as an option.
What changed
APHA has amended its bovine TB surveillance testing guidance to expand the category of herds subject to six-month testing intervals. The policy now applies to cattle in herds located in both TB Hotspots AND Enhanced Surveillance Areas in the LRA, whereas previously only herds in TB Hotspots qualified. Additionally, the guidance clarifies that herds in the LRA tested annually or more frequently must still comply with statutory pre-movement testing requirements, updating previous wording that referenced herds tested more frequently than every 4 years.
Affected parties, primarily cattle farmers and herd owners in England, should be aware of the updated testing frequency applicable to their area classification. Herds in Enhanced Surveillance Areas previously subject to different testing intervals may now face more frequent surveillance requirements. Farmers should review their herd's location classification and ensure compliance with both routine surveillance intervals and pre-movement testing obligations.
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Apr 18, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Policy paper
Bovine TB surveillance testing in England
Sets out the government's approach to calculating routine herd testing frequency in England.
From: Animal and Plant Health Agency Published 16 December 2020 Last updated 17 April 2026
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Applies to England
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Principles that apply to calculate the current routine herd testing frequency in England
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This document set out the government’s approach to calculating the current routine herd testing frequency in England.
Updates to this page
Published 16 December 2020 Last updated 17 April 2026
1.
17 April 2026
Updated to state that cattle in herds located in Hotspots and Enhanced Surveillance Areas in the LRA may be tested as frequently as every 6 months. (Until now it was just cattle in herds located in TB Hotspots in the LRA).
Updated to clarify that you must continue to comply with statutory pre-movement testing requirements if your herd in the LRA is tested annually or more frequently. The previous wording referred to herds tested more frequently than every 4 years; this update reflects the introduction of 24-month testing as an option.
2.
16 December 2020
First published.
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