From July 1 2021, Defra introduces default six-monthly TB testing of cattle herds across the whole High Risk Area (HRA) of England. However, if you become CHECS TB Herd Accredited you could stay on annual testing.

If you farm in the HRA region you will have to prepare your business for biannual TB test procedures from July 1 2021 unless Defra notifies you separately to say you can remain on annual testing.

However, herds – including any that are already routinely six-monthly tested in the HRA or Edge Area – will be eligible to remain on, or revert to, annual testing if they meet either of these criteria:

• Your herd is participating in CHECS TB Herd Accreditation through a CHECS-licensed health scheme and is score 1 or above, denoting at least one year since a TB breakdown and meeting all other requirements of accreditation
• Your herd has been in existence for at least six years and has not had a TB breakdown in that six-year period. A single break from keeping cattle of less than four months during the six-year period is permitted

CHECS TB Herd Accreditation is based on working with your herd vet to manage six biosecurity Risk Factors, which reduce your risk of a TB breakdown. So, participation could not only restore you to annual surveillance testing but also provide a systematic and supported framework to reduce your risk of TB. Discover which health schemes offer CHECS TB programmes and learn more about the earned recognition opportunities of CHECS TB Herd Accreditation