This additional tool will help empower keepers and private vets to tackle the disease.
The initiative is part of the government鈥檚 refresh of the bTB strategy for England and aims to improve disease detection and control.
What's changing?
From 1 September 2025, cattle keepers with herds in the HRA (High Risk Area) and six-monthly testing parts of the Edge Area in England that do not qualify for mandatory gamma testing may be eligible to apply to APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) for voluntary gamma testing of bTB breakdowns with lesion and/or culture/PCR positive animals that result in the withdrawal of their bTB Free status (OTF-W).
鈥淚t鈥檚 important to note that this additional testing is a voluntary measure, and we encourage cattle keepers to work with their vet to discuss whether gamma testing is right for their herd.鈥�
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
Importantly, this testing is entirely optional. It is a whole herd test for animals aged over six months. 皇家华人urges cattle keepers considering applying to APHA for voluntary gamma testing to do so in consultation with their private vet, to ensure that their herd fulfils the qualifying criteria and they are aware of the conditions that apply. These can be found on:听.
Any cattle testing positive will be removed, and compensation will be paid according to the table or individual valuations that apply at the time of slaughter. For more information, see: .
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: 鈥淭he extension of voluntary gamma testing in higher risk areas is a welcome additional tool for cattle keepers and private vets in the fight against bovine TB. We know skin tests aren鈥檛 100% accurate, and greater access to gamma tests will hopefully mean the disease can be detected more quickly and the necessary action taken to reduce the risk to the rest of the herd.
听
鈥淚t鈥檚 important to note that this additional testing is a voluntary measure, and we encourage cattle keepers to work with their vet to discuss whether gamma testing is right for their herd.鈥�
Skin and gamma tests together
Using both the skin and gamma tests together has been shown to increase test sensitivity, helping to identify infected animals earlier, and those that have become desensitised to the skin test.
This reduces the risk of disease spread within the herd and supports faster recovery to OTF (bTB free) status.
Since 12 July 2021, gamma testing has been compulsory for recurrent bTB breakdowns with lesion and/or culture positive animals in the HRA (High Risk Area) and six-monthly surveillance testing EA (Edge Area) in England that meet the qualifying criteria: 听
- The breakdown occurred within 18 months of the herd regaining officially TB free (OTF) status following a previous breakdown with lesion and/or culture positive animals.
It is used to help resolve persistent bTB breakdowns (herds that have been under movement restrictions for more than 18 months) and on a discretionary basis in other situations, for example in bTB breakdowns with high numbers of reactors, to inform decisions about a potential full or partial herd slaughter.
The gamma test is also compulsory for every new bTB breakdown herd with lesion and/or culture positive animals in the LRA (Low Risk Area) of England and the annual surveillance testing parts of the Edge Area of England.
For more details on voluntary gamma testing and how to access this service, visit: .
NFU members can also speak to a dedicated member of our NFU TB Delivery Team by contacting NFU CallFirst on听0370 845 8458.听
