Data on tests, new incidents, restricted herds and cattle slaughtered with bovine TB for March 2021.
This is not the latest release in the series: Incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in cattle in Great Britain
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Statistics release, on which this statistical headline is based, includes statistics on the basis of the Wales TB areas.
There have been 4% fewer TB tests completed in the latest 12 months to March 2021 compared to the previous 12 months. A proportion of these are due to overdue tests. Tests have only taken place where it has been deemed safe to do so while maintaining social distancing.
New TB herd incidents
In the 12 months to March 2021, there were 630 new herd incidents reported in Wales. This is a 2% decrease on the previous 12 months, when there were 644 new incidents.
Animals slaughtered for TB control
In the 12 months to March 2021, 10,258 cattle were slaughtered due to bovine TB control. This is an 11% decrease on the previous 12 months, when 11,559 cattle were slaughtered.
Further information
The overall trend for animals slaughtered due to bovine TB control is variable. Much of the rise since 2014 is attributable to increased use of high-sensitivity testing. For example, gamma-testing, removal of Inconclusive Reactors (IRs) and severe interpretation of the skin test have all been used with the intention of clearing up infection and reducing the risk of the disease spreading and breakdowns recurring.
As the chart shows, the monthly series is extremely variable and peaks can be expected from time to time. There had been an increase in the trend since the peak in October 2018 was reached, this has since began to fall. Further analysis of this trend up to June 2019 has been published in the statistical article: Analysis on the number of animals slaughtered due to bovine TB controls, October 2018 to June 2019.
Reporting frequency
The publication of the August 2020 monthly bTB statistics was the last monthly publication, however, quarterly releases remain. Monthly data will still be provided in the quarterly publication but will only be published each quarter similar to the Welsh Government TB surveillance dashboard. Due to the volatility in monthly data, monthly updates cannot be considered a reliable predictor of overall trends.
Contact
Matthew Curds
Telephone: 0300 062 8544
Email: stats.agric@gov.wales
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau a gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg / We welcome calls and correspondence in Welsh.
Media
Telephone: 0300 025 8099
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau yn Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.