TB Bulletin
Managing bTB Risks at Grazing
What biosecurity measures can be put in place at grazing?
Infectious diseases can be spread to grazing cattle by a variety of means, including:
- Direct and indirect contact with neighbouring livestock across boundaries (or break-ins/ break-outs)
- Direct and indirect contact with wildlife species
- Contaminated water (streams or surface water)
- Manure spreading
To counteract these risks, the following areas should be addressed:
- Do not graze cattle on land where cattle from other herds are in adjacent fields, unless there is double fencing (with a gap of at least 3 metres) or stock-proof hedging. This will minimise the risk of transmission of infectious agents from infected animals.
- Place fencing around badger setts and latrines so that cattle are less likely to come into contact with infectious material containing Mycobacterium bovis, the causative agent of bovine TB.
- Keep feed troughs, water troughs and mineral licks raised above the ground, at least 1 metre off the ground and away from adjacent structures, to limit badger access. Use troughs with outward sloping sides or rollers. Move troughs frequently to avoid poaching and intensive contamination of the area around them.
- Only place enough feed in troughs for that day so that badgers are not attracted to ad lib feed. Empty troughs that are not in use and cover them.
- Ensure that there is a mains water supply in fields being grazed and consider preventing livestock from accessing rivers, streams or stagnant watercourses.
- Aim to spread slurry on arable land or silage ground where possible and do not graze land for at least three weeks after spreading. Ideally, do not import slurry or manure.
- Ensure any visitors disinfect boots before entering or leaving the farm. Best practice is to minimise use of borrowed equipment (including trailers), yards and crushes belonging to other farms, and to ensure these are cleaned thoroughly before and after use.
There will be additive benefits for your herd’s health if multiple small but effective improvements in biosecurity are introduced.