New monthly stats released by the agency in March show the number of outbreaks discovered was around 3.25% this is the lowest rate recorded since 2004 with a similar rate of 3.5% in February.
The new proposed rules are to be set out in a consultation document and include removal of pre-movement exemptions for cattle moving between several holdings under the same farm ownership, known as sole occupancy authorities. This will prevent farmers who are based within the high risk areas or to the edge of them moving cattle across long distances without sufficient testing being carried out. They will still be able to move cattle across 10 miles of owned land. Penalties for breaking these rules could also get tougher.
Since 1 January 2014, owners of herds who fail to complete their TB surveillance test on time have risked seeing their CAP payment reduced, even if the test was delayed by only one day. But under Defra consultation they intend to include this approach with restricted herds. In addition to the proposals, Defra has confirmed the partial derestriction of TB-breakdown holdings will not be allowed from 1 October 2014.