Written question WQ83902

Table 1 presents the total number of TB02 letters issued (as a result of a TB breakdown situation or overdue TB test) and the total number of herds which have had restrictions lifted (because they have undergone the required number of tests to lift restrictions or an overdue test has been completed) between 1 January 2019 and 23 November 2021.

Table 1: Number of TB02 letters issued, 2019 to 2021 [a]

Year

Number of TB02 letters issued as a result of a TB breakdown situation or overdue test [b]

Number of herds which have had restrictions lifted as at 23 November 2021 [c]

2019

5,677

5,251

2020

5,008

4,366

2021 [a]

4,556

2,774

Source: Sam, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) work management IT support system, correct as at 23 November 2021

[a] Data for 2021 is correct up to 23 November 2021.

[b] These will include tests where TT2 has been completed before the latest completion date, but the test has not been submitted on Sam.

[c] TB02 notices are lifted in cases where if a herd has undergone its required number of clear tests to lift movement restrictions in a breakdown situation, an overdue test has been completed with clear results, or the OV informs APHA a test has been completed within the testing window, but results have been notified to APHA after the end of the window.

The Test Notification Letter, which is sent to all farmers whose herds are due a test, explains to prevent the automatic issue of movement restrictions, test results need to be received by APHA at least 4 working days prior to the end of the testing window. Keepers are also advised to contact APHA if a test has been completed but they do not think the results will be submitted in time.