Farmers in England and Wales will have to comply with new legislation to help tackle the spread of bovine TB from October onwards. The aim of the new rules, created by Defra in conjunction with input from farmers, their representative groups and other organisations, was to help stop the spread of the disease and eventually eliminate completely.
The rules include tighter restrictions on movement to held prevent the spread of bovine TB. Cattle will have to be tested before moving across locations in Sole Occupancy Authorities, animals which have been tested negative for the disease from herds which contain the disease will only be allowed to be moved to slaughterhouses or finishing units to be prepared for eventual slaughter.
Defra's document on the new rules says: ""It is a devastating disease which threatens our cattle industry and presents a risk to other livestock as well as wildlife species (such as badgers), pets and humans. The Government remains determined to tackle bovine TB by all available means, including through enhanced cattle control measures."