Number of Approved Tuberculin Testers continues to grow
5th September 2021
More than 100 people from across the agricultural community have now qualified or are in training to become an Approved Tuberculin Tester (ATT) of cattle, reports UK Farmcare.
Laura Broadbent TB testing
Creation of the ATT role by the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) allows para-professional staff to support vets in carrying out TB testing in England. the role was created following a consultation and trial period which ran from December 2018 to February 2020.
The role was officially rolled out in November of 2020 and the full benefits of the programme is beginning to be seen with more people signing up.
“Since we started publicising the ATT opportunity on behalf of the veterinary community back in the spring, we have seen a surge of interest in the role,” says Kate Bowen from UK Farmcare.
She says that there are now 68 fully qualified ATTs in England with another 21 conditionally authorised. In addition, another 14 people are undergoing the ATT training programme. The training allows ATTs to carry out tuberculin skin testing of cattle and working alongside vets they can help improve testing capactiy
“We’re delighted that this new career opportunity is being recognised by so many excellent candidates from across the agricultural sector and are glad to see so many more qualified ATTs joining our colleagues in veterinary practice to help deliver TB testing.”
ATTs may be employed and equipped by a veterinary practice and paid a salary or wages as part of a vet practice team to deliver cattle TB testing. Alternatively, ATTs may also choose to access the training and then deliver the service as a self-employed person. In this situation they must always liaise closely with the farmer’s regular vet.
Cattle farmers can even be accepted in to the training, as long as they meet the criteria. However ATTs are not permitted to TB test their own cattle, or operate where there is a potential conflict of interest.
Additional candidates keen to explore this ATT job opportunity can either contact their local veterinary practice or register their interest on the UK Farmcare website at:
