New legislation came into force on November 1, 2018, relating to compensation payments for TB reactors.

The measures have been introduced to encourage herd owners to take further proportionate steps to improve disease control on their farm, as well as providing a safety net for farmers that may wish to arrange private slaughter of TB reactors.

Compensation at 50% of the average market price for the same category cattle will be paid for any animal brought into a TB breakdown herd which then fails a TB test whilst that breakdown is still ongoing.

This applies to newly purchased animals, as well as any brought back to the restricted herd that are under the same ownership (e.g. in calf dairy heifers reared off site).

However, cattle keepers that have joined a CHeCS accredited TB scheme prior to the breakdown will continue to receive 100% compensation, provided the herd is accredited at the time of the breakdown.

50% compensation will also apply to TB reactors that are too unclean to be slaughtered. Such cases are very few in number but it is hoped that this measure will make it exceptionally rare.

Previously, if the owner of TB reactor cattle chose to send the animals for slaughter privately, they risked receiving little or no payment if the carcase was condemned at the slaughterhouse.

From 1st November 2018, cattle keepers who choose this option will receive compensation at the same rates as other TB affected keepers in respect of any compulsorily slaughtered animal if the carcase of that animal is condemned.

If you have any questions about the new legislation, contact TBAS advisers by phone on 01306 779410T or email at info@tbas.org.uk or visit the website tbas.org.uk.

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