TB test - why the neck?

[Agrivator]

Following on from the thread on where to inject sheep, why do we use the neck when administering the TB test in cattle?

When a beast is in a crush, the neck is the least accessible part of its body, it moves its head backwards and forwards and the Vet is sometimes in danger of injury.

I would have thought a point behind the shoulders would be a much more sensible, safer and quicker site, so is there any clinical reason why the neck needs to be used?

 

[topground]

Possibly because the bureaucrat who dreamt up the protocol had never been anywhere near a cow?

 

[Poorbuthappy]

To stay away from better cuts of meat in case of abscesses etc?

 

[Cowmansam]

I think because it’s thinner more sensitive skin

 

[Johngee]

I’m sure I read somewhere that they use the base of the tail in NZ

 

[organicguy]

Caudal fold in NZ, but only one injection and if any reaction, bang.

 

[matthew]

Alpacas - jabbed in the soft skin behind the ‘elbow’ joint. No wool to get in the way.

 

[Purli R]

Be more worried about the result rather then where its jabbed to get the result. Also get a better bloody crush.

 

[Agrivator]

Be more worried about the result rather then where its jabbed to get the result. Also get a better bloody crush.

Charming.

 

[Purli R]

But true.

 

[Lofty1984]

Be more worried about the result rather then where its jabbed to get the result. Also get a better bloody crush.

Perfectly valid question though so no need for the arsey comment

 

[Bury the Trash]

Alpacas - jabbed in the soft skin behind the ‘elbow’ joint. No wool to get in the way.

Can do sheep there as well but its a bit lower to stoop

 

[Cowmansam]

Well my wife was a tester until last year and she said it’s to do with sensitivity