TB Testing
TB testing is a service that VetEnt provides on contract to OSPRI's TBfree programme in five regions covered by the Group. This service is available to all dairy and beef farms in these areas. IntroductionVetEnt has been awarded cattle TB testing contracts in five regions by OSPRI's TBfree programme. These regions are South Waikato, North Manawatu-Wanganui, Gisborne/Wairoa, North Canterbury, and South Canterbury. These contracts cover both dairy & beef herds. We also perform non-scheme TB testing and deer TB testing as requested by farmers. To perform the TB testing VetEnt has 20 vets and 40 technicians accredited. There is an advantage for VetEnt clients because with a bit of planning other tasks can be completed at the time of TB testing such as leptospirosis vaccinations and pregnancy tests. Clients of other practices can do this by arranging their local veterinarian to be there at the same time for vaccinations. If you wish other services to be performed at the same time as TB testing please ensure that you let us know at the time of booking in. Test RequestsYou can request a TB test by calling the Animal Health Board on 0800 482 463, calling your local VetEnt branch or filling in the TB testing booking sheet. Click here for booking sheet Please give us as much notice as possible to ensure that your needs can be met. Please note: the online form will be processed as soon as possible the next business day. Frequently Asked QuestionsWho must have an TB Free herd number?Any person who owns or grazes cattle or deer, even if it is only one animal must have a TB Free herd number. To obtain a herd number, call TB Free on 0800 482 463 or complete a registration form on their website www.tbfree.org.nz.Why is a CM status?All dry stock herds are given a CM status as they have a high turnover of stock and are unlikely to keep animals for much longer than 2 years. CM stands for Clear Monitored and replaces the C2 capped status. For more information you can call TB Free on 0800 482 463. Why do I have to test?Regular TB testing along with inspection of carcasses at slaughter are important to ensure early detection of TB so that the disease can be eradicated before infections spreads through the herd or to other herds. If your cattle are not going to slaughter in the required timeframe then TB Free will not be getting enough of a surveillance of the herd if they rely on slaughter results only. Why do I need to test my pet cow?TB testing it not only the surveillance of TB in cattle but it also is another surveillance technique to check the vector population is staying free of TB. Why do I need to test my house cow?Same as pet cow – Plus: It provides a check so you can be reasonably certain that your house cow does not have TB. This means that your family can drink the milk knowing that they won’t get TB from it. Who pays for the TB test?Cattle – The TB Free scheme is funded by slaughter and dairy levies. The TB Free scheme pays for the following cattle tests: routine whole herd tests, pre-movement testing for herds in Movement Control Areas, infected herd testing, check tests requested by Tb Free staff and dairy service bull testing. All other tests are considered to be non-scheme and are paid for by the farmer.
What is the TB test?Cattle – The tester comes out on one day and injects a small amount of tuberculin into the skin flap under the tail. The tester will then come back 3 days later and feel if there has been a reaction.
What is the withholding period of tuberculin?There is no withholding period for tuberculin. When will my first whole herd test be?Beef breeding or dairy – TB Free will set the due date approximately 6 months from the date of registration taking calving time into account unless you request differently. How much lee way do I have around my due date?Your whole herd test can be started as early as 60 days before your due date and should be completed no later than 90 days after your due date. Can I change my due date?Yes you can. |
Moving less than 60 days?We can put your request through to the TBfree programme. Moving more than 60 days?This can only be done if your District Disease Control Manager approves the change. We can put your case forward to the District Disease Control Manager for you. When do I need a pre-movement test?If your herd is in a movement control area and the stock are over 3 months of age they will need a pre-movement test for all movements not directly to slaughter. The pre-movement test must be within 60 days prior to the movement. How long does a pre-movement test last for?It last for 60 days. If you want to move any cattle from a farm in a Movement Control Area after 60 days has elapsed then the cattle will need to be tested again.
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