Specialist TB Units

SWTBFAS has prepared an extensive database of Approved Finishing Units, Exempt Finishing Units and Approved Quarantine Units across the six counties of the South West region. Farmers under restrictions can access this information through contacting the SWTBFAS office in Exeter on 01392 440706

Options for TB Restricted Cattle
 

Types of approved TB units/routes to market
    Approved Finishing Unit AFU
    Exempt Finishing Unit EFU
    Approved Quarantine Unit AQU
    Isolation Unit/Isolation Groups
    Approved markets and collection centres

Approved Finishing Units  (Store cattle through to slaughter)
    Moves onto unit under licence from restricted premises (within 60 days of a clear test);
    Moves off must go direct to slaughter;
    Cattle from several different sources (but mainly TB2 premises) will be present.  Turnover of animals will be high;
    AFUs should have an individual CPH number;
    Units are subject to three monthly or six monthly testing (depending on management arrangements);
    With and without grazing

Exempt Finishing Units  (Store cattle through to slaughter)
    Cattle that would normally require pre-movement tests from either exempt market, direct off farm or from collection centres;
    Units are subject to six monthly or annual testing (depending on management arrangements);
    Not necessary to have an individual CPH number.

Approved Quarantine Units
    Aim is to regain official TB free status
    The unit must be on TB2 restrictions, grazing is possible
    AQUs should have an individual CPH number;
    For younger animals which are not old enough for finishing units or which may be destined for breeding;
    Can accept animals from many holdings;
    Upper age limit for entering these units is 10 months. Movement direct from farm or via dedicated sales;
    Units must be filled over a six week period and cattle are tested every 60 days;
    Once a TB10 has been served and these cattle are officially TB free, movements are unrestricted;

TB Isolation Units/Isolation groups
    Aim is to regain official TB free status;
    Farmers under restriction set up these units on a separate block of land / building, or a second holding they control;
    Young stock held here until they receive TB10 (clear) status;
    Testing is every 60 days;
    Cattle can only move to these units from one holding over a six week period.
    Movement restrictions lifted once a TB10 has been served;
    Animal testing costs are met by Defra (for all approved units);
    Currently around 35 Isolation Units in the SW.

Approved Markets
    All animals must have passed pre-movement test;
    Markets must meet bio-security requirements;
    Can be held for all types of stock;
    Following a market, cattle cannot return to holding of origin;
    Restricted list of buyers – approved units and abattoirs (for finished stock).

Collection Centres
    All animals must have passed pre-movement test;
    Network of approved centres across the region (most held in markets);
    Take animals from restricted premises for movement to same risk or higher risk premises.