Farmers are already subject to a penalty for overdue tests. Under the 'zero tolerance' policy farmers who do not ensure their herds are tested by specified deadlines have movement restrictions immediately applied on their herds. The Government can also prosecute cattle owners who fail to comply with the testing requirements laid down in the Tuberculosis (England) Order 2007.
At this time, we have no plans to introduce any additional penalties for farmers who delay having a herd bovine tuberculosis test.