TB in Goats

Like most mammals, goats are susceptible to infection by bovine Tb.  Unpasteurised milk, or dairy products made with unpasteurised milk, from bovine TB-infected goats can constitute a risk to consumers.  As a result, Animal health will inform the Chief Environmental Health Officer of the relevant Local Authority if dairy goats test positive to the tuberculin test, or if bovine Tb infection is confirmed in a herd of dairy goats.  Pasteurisation, however, effectively removed the risk of transmission of TB to humans via milk.  

Goats will be tested at the Governments expense if the herd or animal is located on the premises where TB has been confirmed in cattle, or if bovine TB infection has been confirmed in the goat herd itself.  Where bovine TB has not been confirmed on the premises or in the immediate vicinity, an owner can arrange for their own vet to TB test their goats; however, this can only be done if agreed with and approved by Animal Health.