TB Approved Isolation Unit

TBIUs were introduced to provide:

• an outlet for calves or store cattle originating from TB restricted holdings
• an opportunity to isolate and test cattle to regain the TB free status of those cattle
• an outlet for holdings lacking the facilities for rearing

The intention is to create a distinct group of cattle of a similar status (same herd, same age group, same previous exposure to infection risk). There is a limited entry window to move cattle into a TBIU to ensure all animals are of a similar age group. From 30 August 2024 the entry window has been extended to 60 days. This increases the capacity of animals per batch making the TBIU a more viable option. 

TBIUs can only be set up in the High and Intermediate Mid TB Areas of Wales.

TBIUs must be located away from the     main holding and can only be approved on an Official TB Free (OTF) holding. They must have a separate CPH number  i.e. the unit must be a completely separate holding. 

Prescribed biosecurity measures must be in place. This is to protect local cattle herds and wildlife from the risk of spread of TB from the TBIU.

Cattle moving to a TBIU must have completed a skin test with a negative result within 60 You can only source cattle from a single TB restricted holding. There is a period limited to 60 days (from the date of the first movement into the unit) for each batch to fill the unit. 

Cattle moving to a TBIU must have completed a skin test with a negative result within 60 days before being moved, except calves under 42 days old. 

Once in the unit cattle must have at least two consecutive negative skin tests at severe interpretation in order to regain OTF status, regardless of the TB status of the origin herd. The first test must take place at least 60 days after the last animal entered the unit.

Animals cannot be moved on until the unit has:

• regained OTF status, or 
• been depopulated and reapproved 

Until OTF status has been regained, cattle can’t leave the TBIU except under licence: 

• direct to slaughter, or 
• to an approved finishing unit (AFU) 

Once OTF status is regained, movement restrictions are lifted and cattle can be traded freely.

Cattle in the breakdown herd of origin and TBIU share the same risk of exposure to TB infection. This means that any worsening of disease in the TBIU has implications for the origin herd.

The required regime of skin testing must be completed by both the origin herd and cattle in the TBIU. This will avoid lifting restrictions prematurely. It will also prevent movements of cattle with undisclosed infection to other herds. 

Each TBIU should be a discrete, self-contained cattle unit,  isolated from other cattle herds. 

There must be no opportunity for nose-to-nose contact with other livestock. 

No other livestock should have access to the unit. 

The unit can’t be located on a farmyard where other cattle are kept.

All equipment must be for sole use of the unit, especially yard scrapers. 

Buildings and feed stores must be wildlife-proof.

Manure must be securely stored with no access by livestock or wildlife.

Further information is available at:

• TB Isolation Units in England and Wales (on tbhub.co.uk)
• Bovine TB isolation units: conditions of approval and operation (on gov.uk)

Persons seeking approval for a TBIU should either: 

• contact APHA by e-mail, or telephone 0300 303 8268 for an application form, or 
• download the Approved TB Isolation Unit form (from gov.uk)