Division 3B The officially tuberculosis-free status of the herd is to be withdrawn if the presence of tuberculosis is confirmed by the isolation of M. bovis on laboratory examination.F1F2

The competent authority may withdraw status if:

1. (a)

   the conditions detailed in point 2 are no longer fulfilled, or

2. (b)

   classical lesions of tuberculosis are seen at post-mortem examination, or

3. (c)

   an epidemiological enquiry establishes the likelihood of infection,

4. (d)

   or for any other reasons considered necessary for the purpose of controlling bovine tuberculosis.

Tracing and checking is to be undertaken by the competent authority of any herd considered to be epidemiologically related. The officially tuberculosis-free status of a herd is to remain withdrawn until cleansing and disinfection of the premises and utensils has been completed and all animals over six weeks of age have reacted negatively to at least two consecutive tuberculin tests, the first no less than 60 days and the second no less than four months and no more than 12 months after the removal of the last positive reactor.