One Year of Highland Cattle & My First TB Test

Last week marked a big milestone on the farm, my very first TB test. If you’re a cattle owner, you’ll know just how stressful this process can be. Thankfully, after an anxious 72-hour wait, I received the best possible news: all my girls tested negative!

This moment was even more significant because it’s almost a year to the day since I brought my four Highland heifers home. Back then, I didn’t have all the facilities set up, but with the help of borrowed cattle gates and a crush, we made it work. Luckily, they’re still young and don’t have their fully formed horns yet, so I didn’t need a specialized Highland crush this time around.

What Is TB Testing & Why Is It So Important?

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease that can spread between cattle and wildlife, posing a huge risk to the farming industry. In the UK, regular TB testing is a legal requirement to help control outbreaks and prevent the disease from spreading further.

The test itself is a two-stage process:

1️⃣ Day 1: The vet injects small amounts of bovine and avian tuberculin into the skin of the animal’s neck.

2️⃣ Day 2 (72 hours later): The vet returns to check for any swelling. If the reaction site is larger than expected, it could indicate a TB reactor, meaning further testing or movement restrictions.

The Stress of Waiting for TB Results

For farmers, that 72-hour wait feels like an eternity. Even with just four Highland heifers, I felt the pressure. I can’t begin to imagine how nerve-wracking it must be for those with larger herds, where a single positive result can have devastating consequences.

If a cow tests positive, strict movement restrictions are enforced, meaning no animals can leave the farm. Further tests are carried out, and in many cases, affected cattle must be culled. It’s not just a financial burden—it’s an emotional one too. Losing animals you’ve raised and cared for is heartbreaking, and for many farmers, the impact can be overwhelming.

A Huge Relief—All Clear!

Thankfully, all my girls passed with flying colors, and I can breathe a sigh of relief. This experience has given me even more respect for cattle farmers who go through this process regularly, knowing that one test result could change everything.

With TB testing behind us, we can now focus on what really matters—another year of raising these beautiful Highland cattle. They’ve already brought so much joy to the farm, and I can’t wait to see them continue to grow!

Have You Experienced TB Testing on Your Farm?

If you’ve ever had to go through the TB testing process, I’d love to hear your experiences. How do you manage the stress of waiting for results? Let me know in the comments below!

Posted: March 11, 2025