Bovine Tuberculosis Testing: Welfare Impact on Cattle 2026

The routine skin test for bovine tuberculosis is an important disease control measure with welfare implications for cattle undergoing repeated testing procedures.

Key Facts

Bovine TB affects around 5% of English cattle herds and is the most costly animal disease in the UK
The tuberculin skin test requires injection of purified protein derivative and a 72-hour return for measurement
Gamma-interferon blood test supplements skin testing with same-day results but requires blood sampling
Reactor cattle are slaughtered, causing significant economic and welfare impacts on affected farms

Welfare Considerations

The skin test procedure involves two neck injections and neck skin fold measurement requiring cattle handling and restraint, causing handling stress particularly in extensively managed herds. Blood sampling for gamma-interferon adds additional stress. False positive tests causing unnecessary slaughter cause welfare impacts for affected cattle and significant distress for farmers. Welfare priorities include minimising handling stress during testing and improving test specificity.

What You Can Do

Train farm staff in low-stress cattle handling techniques to minimise TB testing stress
Work with a vet to ensure handling facilities are appropriate for low-stress TB testing
Support research into improved TB diagnostic tests with better specificity and sensitivity
Advocate for effective TB eradication strategies that reduce the testing burden over time