Industry responds to changes to bTB resolved inconclusive reactors

Following a review of the evidence by the TB Technical Advisory Group, it was concluded that cattle previously classified as standard interpretation resolved inconclusive reactors are three times more likely to be later identified as reactors, inconclusive reactors, or slaughterhouse-positive cases compared to animals that have consistently tested clear.

As a result, it has been announced that all cattle in Wales identified as resolved inconclusive reactors (standard interpretation) from 1st January 2026 will be subject to lifelong movement restrictions. These animals can then only move directly to slaughterhouses or Approved Finishing Units via licensed routes, including approved slaughter gatherings or TB-dedicated sales.

Responding to the statement, FUW deputy president, Dai Miles, said: “Bovine TB continues to have a profound economic and emotional impact on Welsh farmers and their businesses.

“This policy change must be acknowledged as a practical, evidence-led step to help protect herds from the risk of unintentionally bringing in infected animals.

“That said, it does raise valid concerns about the level of assurance provided by a negative TB test result. There may also be understandable frustration within the farming community at what feels like yet another layer of restriction being placed on already heavily regulated cattle movements.”

The FUW said it continues to call for further progression in scientifically supported policies and adoption of a holistic approach to bovine TB eradication in Wales, as outlined in its 2026 Senedd election manifesto.

‘It is sensible to remove that risk from the marketplace’

NFU Cymru said it supports the Welsh Government’s announcement.

NFU Cymru Bovine TB Focus Group chairman, Roger Lewis, said: “The change to the policy surrounding the treatment of resolved standard Inconclusive Reactor (IR) animals is a matter that the NFU Cymru TB Focus Group has called for.

“The scientific evidence is clear that these animals are at significantly greater risk of becoming a TB reactor in the future, so we believe it is sensible to remove that risk from the marketplace to avoid other herds becoming inadvertently infected.

“In our evidence to the Welsh Government bTB Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on this issue last autumn, we highlighted the legitimate reasons why some farmers may need to move these animals off their holdings in exceptional circumstances, for example, a change in tenancy or because of severe weather conditions. As a result of our evidence, we are pleased that an exceptional circumstances provision has now been included in the guidance.”

Mr Lewis added that NFU Cymru members welcome the opportunity to discuss the TB policy with other stakeholders from the Welsh cattle industry, the Welsh Government and APHA.

“This policy change in respect of resolved IRs is a good example of this new governance structure working proactively and positively. However, we continue to impress the need for urgency and for the scale and pace of progress to be accelerated. For those people who are dealing with bovine TB on a daily basis, progress towards eradication feels slow and often non-existent.”

NFU Cymru explained that the total number of animals slaughtered in Wales between July 2024 and June 2025 was 13,032, which marks an increase of 11% from the previous year.

“This staggering figure shows the magnitude of the challenge we face in getting on top of, and eradicating, this disease from our countryside. It also paints a sobering picture of the total anguish being experienced by farming families affected by the hugely damaging impacts of the disease.

“This is why we continue to call for a comprehensive TB eradication strategy that actively tackles the disease in all its vectors,” Mr Lewis concluded.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about calf rearing 

Read more livestock news.