Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th December 2014
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Latest figures for bovine TB
cow
A total of 23,876 cattle were compulsorily slaughtered between January and September 2014.
Short-term fall in UK incidence rate

The Animal Health and Plant Agency (AHPA) has released updated figures on the incidence of bovine TB in cattle in Great Britain.

According to figures released yesterday (December 10), there was a fall in new herd incidents and compulsory slaughters between January and September this year. However, Defra says these figures should be considered in the context of long-term trends. Further revisions of the TB incidence rates are possible as more data is gathered.

Key figures
  • There were 3,373 new herd incidents between January and September 2014, compared to 3,491 in the same period last year.
  • A total of 23,876 cattle were compulsorily slaughtered as reactors or direct contacts, compared to 24,616 in 2013.
  • There were 56,904 tests on officially TB free herds, compared to 52,631 last year.
  • Provisional incidence rate for January to September this year was 4.0 per cent. In the same period last year, the figure was 4.4 per cent.

However, Defra has warned against putting too much emphasis on short-term figures. Overall, there has been an upward trend in bTB figures since 1996.

Bovine TB has a serious impact on the food and farming industries. In 2012, the cost of a herd breakdown in high risk parts of England was estimated to be £14,000 for the farmer and £20,000 for the government.

For the full report, visit the AHPA's website: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/incidence-of-tuberculosis-tb-in-cattle-in-great-britain

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.