New TB rules for cattle on common land

FARMERS with cattle grazing common land in Pembrokeshire are subject to new rules designed to prevent the spread of bovine TB.

Following regulations introduced on January 1, cattle now need to have had a clear pre-movement TB test before they are moved to or from common land.

The change brings TB testing rules for cattle moved between a holding and common land in line with national TB testing policy.

Common land covers some 5653 hectares of Pembrokeshire – or 3.5% of the land area – and the largest common at 2132ha is Mynydd Preseli. Seventeen percent of the total numbers of commons in Wales fall within Pembrokeshire.

The Welsh Government committed to removing a common land pre-movement testing exemption as part of the 2015 UK TB Eradication Plan, following concern from the European Commission about the risk posed by grazing cattle on common land.

Deputy minister for farming and food Rebecca Evans said that by bringing the testing rules for cattle being moved to and from common land in line with other cattle movements, the risk of undetected disease being passed on will be reduced.

“Our TB Eradication Programme for Wales is underpinned by the key principles of keeping bovine TB out, finding it fast and stopping it from spreading.

“An essential part of our approach is to find infection early through regular testing.’’

If TB testing is not practical on the common and where certain criteria are met, farmers can apply to Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) for a licence to move the cattle back to the main holding where a post-movement TB test will be required as soon as possible.

Farmers whose main holding is adjacent to the common where they graze cattle can also opt to undertake six-monthly whole herd TB testing instead of pre-movement testing.

But if this arrangement is more practical, keepers must contact APHA to apply for a necessary licence.