Bovine TB in Non-bovine Livestock
Bovine TB (bTB) is a notifiable disease and as such, suspected or confirmed cases in ANY species must be reported to DAERA. If cases are reported, DAERA will liaise with the Public Health Agency (PHA) and in addition conduct investigations to see if the case could be linked to disease in cattle or other species.
In Northern Ireland the Department currently has no statutory powers in TB legislation to test non-bovines, unless there are also bovine animals on the same holding.
Confirmed cases of bTB have been reported in camelids, deer, sheep and pigs with most reports received from abattoir post-mortem reports or investigative post-mortem submissions. Goats are also susceptible to bTB but no recent cases have been reported.
Camelid species appear to be very susceptible to infection with bTB. Infected animals generally manifest with respiratory signs and weight loss, or sudden death. The TB skin test is usually used in combination with antibody testing for diagnosis in camelids.
The skin test is used for deer, sheep, goats and pigs.
Any positive results in non-bovines may trigger export restrictions for the relevant species and in addition, movement restrictions and testing in any associated cattle herd.
There may be specific bTB testing / surveillance requirements for non-bovine herds/flocks which wish to export animals and germinal products. It is the responsibility of herd/flock owners wishing to export to ensure that they meet these conditions.
More information can be found at Exporting animals and animal products from Northern Ireland to GB, EU and Third Countries (Including guidance and application point for DAERA Export Certification On-Line (DECOL))
Private Veterinary Practitioners must apply to the local DAERA Office for permission to carry out tuberculin testing in any non-bovine species. Non-negative test results to any test for bTB must be reported to the local DAERA office.