Welsh farming families will benefit from stronger TB controls as cattle with previous inconclusive test results will have lifetime movement restrictions from January 2026.
Following a request from industry and subsequent independent expert advice it has been previously announced that there will be a change in Inconclusive Reactor (IR) policies.
All standard interpretation Inconclusive Reactor (IR) cattle in Wales that test negative at the re-test from 1st January 2026 onwards will remain restricted to their holding for life. Scientific evidence demonstrates these animals are 3 times more likely to become TB reactors than clear-tested cattle.
The normal testing window for the retesting of IRs is between 60 and 90 days. It is therefore possible that IR cattle already disclosed from 1 November will be captured in the change if they are not retested until after 1 January 2026. These animals can then only move directly to slaughterhouses or Approved Finishing Units via licensed routes, including approved slaughter gatherings or TB dedicated sales.
Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said:
Industry asked, and we have listened. Evidence shows these resolved standard IR cattle are higher risk because a larger proportion go on to become TB reactors. Currently this risks cattle with undetected infection being moved and spreading TB to other herds.
Our partnership approach with the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and Programme Board is delivering real changes that help both tackle the disease and support farmers through difficult times.”
The change addresses key industry concerns about infection spread between herds. Under previous arrangements, resolved standard IRs could move freely after negative re-tests, potentially transferring undetected infection to clean herds.
A strong partnership approach is also strengthening TB control in Pembrokeshire where vets and farmers are being empowered through data provision and education to help control TB on their farms. The change has been welcomed by Michael Williams of Fagwrfran Farm in Pembrokeshire, he said:
Based on our participation in the Pembrokeshire Project our understanding and knowledge around TB and high-risk animals has been greatly improved. We understand the increased risks posed by inconclusive reactors and the potential for these to be infected and to be reservoirs of infection. We welcome the decision to restrict the movement of these IR animals and hope this helps prevent movement of residual disease from farm to farm.
Building on the principles and best practice established in Pembrokeshire, a complementary initiative is now taking place in the lower TB incidence area of North Wales. Paul Williams, from Cae Haidd, in Conwy, said:
Building on the excellent work of our friends down in Pembrokeshire, our aim here in North Wales is to keep as much of our area free of TB as possible. Thinking outside the box and using innovative techniques and data, whilst working closely with our own local vets will be key to hopefully strengthening our key goal. The imminent changes to movement restrictions on what are high-risk cattle is a sensible way forward, and will reduce the risk of introducing this devastating disease onto our farms.”
OV BRIEFING NOTES
From 1 January 2026, all standard interpretation IRs in Wales that have a negative
result on re-testing will be restricted for the rest of their life to their current holding.
The only permitted off movements for such animals will be to slaughter either directly or
via an Approved Finishing Unit (AFU) under an individual or general licence issued by
APHA
Resolved standard IRs will be restricted for life to the holding in which they were found,
and this holding must have a permanent County Parish Holding (CPH) number. If a
resolved standard IR is residing at temporary grazing or common land when it re-tests
clear, it will be restricted to the permanent CPH associated with the temporary grazing.
Once the resolved standard IR moves back to the permanent CPH, it must be
restricted to that CPH and cannot move back to a temporary CPH or common land.
It is the keeper’s responsibility to ensure that a resolved standard IR is restricted for life
to the holding in which it was found. Whilst not mandatory, it is recommended that the
animal is physically identified to prevent accidental movement off the holding.
APHA will carry out checks of resolved standard IRs to ensure that they remain
restricted for life. Where it is found that a resolved standard IR has moved, other than
to slaughter or an AFU/AFUEs, APHA will serve an individual animal restriction notice
restricting the animal to the new herd. Non compliances will be referred to the Local
Authority for investigation and any enforcement action that they deem necessary.
Unlike in England, the option of interferon gamma blood testing to release resolved IRs
from life-long restrictions will not be available to cattle keepers in Wales
Full story Welsh cattle movement restrictions enhance TB control | GOV.WALES
OV details can be found at OV62 APHA Briefing Note
