This time Sarah Tomlinson, Technical Director, TB Advisory Service (TBAS), joins the team for an episode of the podcast.

Like usual we start with Sarah's background, graduating as a farm vet to where she is today with TBAS.

Then we discuss the history of TB, and how you used to be rewarded for the voluntarily testing your herd!

We discuss the different skin tests, and why we use the one we do here in the UK, before moving on to discuss the Gamma Test and what this brings for TB detection.

Throughout the podcast we try and dispel some of the rumours and myths about TB while offering some sound practical advise.

Additional Help and Resources

For more information on Bovine TB, please see the below links to associated websites:

• TBAS: https://www.tbas.org.uk/
• TB Hub: https://tbhub.co.uk/
• TB Free England: https://www.tbfreeengland.co.uk/
• ibTB: https://www.ibtb.co.uk/
• Defra TB website: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/bovine-tb
• Animal & Plant Health Agency, Recent TB Instruction Updates: http://apha.defra.gov.uk/vet-gateway/TB/index.htm
• Official Veterinarian (OV) Conference: https://officialvet.com

Help & Support

If you, or any of the farm team, are concerned about how dealing with bTB is impacting your mental health, help is available via several organisations including R.A.B.I, Yellow Wellies, FCN and YANA

– You are not alone. For help, support, additional information or for someone to just have a chat with please visit the links below:

• Online mental wellbeing service – RABI: www.rabi.org.uk/how-we-help/mental-wellbeing
• www.farmwell.org.uk
• Mind Your Head – YellowWellies.org: www.yellowwellies.org/mind-your-head
• YANA: You Are Not Alone – Rural Mental Health Support: www.yanahelp.org
• www.fcn.org.uk
• www.thefarminglifecentre.org.uk

This was recorded in February 2025 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

Send us a text

For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com