Forestry strip or cereal field may suffice in herd restrictions

A strip of forestry or a field of cereals could be enough to avoid herd restriction in the new rules for herds neighbouring a farm which has an outbreak of TB.

New rules require if the herd neighbouring an outbreak was not tested in the previous four months, it is immediately locked up and can trade only direct to slaughter, until it is tested clear. Buying in cattle will be permitted only for a short period while awaiting a test.

Herdowners will be contacted by the department prior to this restriction, and can minimise the impact by arranging to have their herds tested as soon as possible. Any herd which tests clear will be immediately de-restricted.