TB - What would you do?

[Gander]

Last week we had our whole herd test. We tested 70 odd calves and 2 fat bullocks. The last animal through the crush on friday turned out to be an IR. The animal in question was due to go to the abattoir this week. which option would you choose?

1. Send it for slaughter but risk it having lesions and being condemned...losing about £1100 +disposal costs. We'll then be on full restrictions for everything else. If it doesn't have TB we're ok again...though I think they said they would want to do a check test on everything else.

2. Wait for the retest...if it fails (or is inconclusive again) I get shut down for at least another 2 months on top of the 60 days I have just waited. I would of course be paid for the animal.

I wasn't planning on buying or selling anything until April anyway, apart from the two fit to go to the abo.

 

[mushnt grummmble]

if you send a IR you will be classed as having a positive and be locked down


ring your local ministry and ask their advice for the quickest outcome

 

[jimmer]

we had two ir's last test,the vet said we shouldnt be shut down, but because we sent a barrener less than three years ago who had lesions we are,
do you fit this category
a meat inspector said to me he doesnt understand why every farmer in a hot spot or with a history of lesions doesnt premovement even before they go straight to slaughter so that they actually get paid out for these animals

if it has got lesions now it will have in two months time when it eventually goes so the outcome for your herd will be the same

find out if the slaughterhouse you would send it to have insurance against visible lesion animals

 

[Gander]

I haven't had a breakdown in the last three years so although vets served a shutdown notice on the day, the ministry say they will be lifting that and just restricting the IR. I did phone them yesterday and the chap was very helpful...but he was quite clear that there's no straightforward option and that the choice is mine. I can't decide between risking the value of the animal and possibly being under restrictions for the next four months....OR waiting to find out that it fails in 60 days, getting paid for it but prolonging the time I will be shut down for (most likely at least 6 months in total)...assuming it does fail.

Insurance against visible lesion animals is interesting...didn't know there was such a thing. Surely that wouldn't cover a known IR?

 

[multi power]

gander, i would wait, i think, but how will it affect you if shut down for longer? if for eg you wanted to be sure to be clear to sell calves early new year i would get rid now

 

[jade35]

Apologies for all the questions.

How old is the bullock? What breed? Do you think it will keep without getting over fat? Was this on a yearly test? And although this may mean nothing, how much of an inconclusive was it? Also can you keep it safely/securely on it's own or will it become a welfare issue because it is away from other stock if the mate goes?

I don't know if it makes a difference which slaughterhouse the bullock goes to but assume that they all have markets for stock found with a lesion. The Devon/Somerset beef boys would have a better idea on this.

it is a difficult decision and I think you will have to take the bullocks welfare as the main consideration.

 

[Gander]

Apologies for all the questions.

How old is the bullock? What breed? Do you think it will keep without getting over fat? Was this on a yearly test? And although this may mean nothing, how much of an inconclusive was it? Also can you keep it safely/securely on it's own or will it become a welfare issue because it is away from other stock if the mate goes?

I don't know if it makes a difference which slaughterhouse the bullock goes to but assume that they all have markets for stock found with a lesion. The Devon/Somerset beef boys would have a better idea on this.

it is a difficult decision and I think you will have to take the bullocks welfare as the main consideration.

Sorry for the delay in answering!

Bullock is a nearly 2 years old, Devon x. Its one I've been bringing on slowly for the farm shop...a couple more months wont hurt for that market. Yes, it was mt annual whole herd test. As to 'how much of an inconclusive' ..the lump was only just big enough. I couldn't get him in the crush for a bit, but could see the lumps would want measuring so persisted. Either way one of them will be on their own for 3 weeks if one of them goes to abo.

Have been told worming with Eprinex 2 weeks before the test might affect the reading of a re-test. Any truth in that?!

 

[multi power]

Sorry for the delay in answering!

Bullock is a nearly 2 years old, Devon x. Its one I've been bringing on slowly for the farm shop...a couple more months wont hurt for that market. Yes, it was mt annual whole herd test. As to 'how much of an inconclusive' ..the lump was only just big enough. I couldn't get him in the crush for a bit, but could see the lumps would want measuring so persisted. Either way one of them will be on their own for 3 weeks if one of them goes to abo.

Have been told worming with Eprinex 2 weeks before the test might affect the reading of a re-test. Any truth in that?!

it is said fluke can have an effect on tb testing, quite common to treat ir cattle for fluke

 

[jade35]

Sorry for the delay in answering!

Bullock is a nearly 2 years old, Devon x. Its one I've been bringing on slowly for the farm shop...a couple more months wont hurt for that market. Yes, it was mt annual whole herd test. As to 'how much of an inconclusive' ..the lump was only just big enough. I couldn't get him in the crush for a bit, but could see the lumps would want measuring so persisted. Either way one of them will be on their own for 3 weeks if one of them goes to abo.

Have been told worming with Eprinex 2 weeks before the test might affect the reading of a re-test. Any truth in that?!

Thanks for reply, if it doesn't matter too much about keeping the bullock the extra time then I would, if possible, bring a couple of 'expendable' younger ones to run in a neighbouring pen when the other bullock goes. Hopefully, if only a small rise, the bullock will go clear at the next test.

Have also heard or read that fluke can affect the TB test