Approved Quarantine Units explained

What are they?
AQUs are Animal Health-approved quarantine units on farms introduced to provide an outlet for calves from TB restricted holdings. They differ from Approved Finishing Units (AFUs) as they only take calves.

What conditions must apply to AQUs?

• The AQU will be under TB2 restriction
• Must be no grazing
• Maximum of six weeks permitted to fill the unit
• Cattle must not have contact with other cattle and must be housed in accommodation which prevents contact with potentially infected wildlife
• Must have its own CPH number and no SOA or BCMS links with other premises
• Contingency plan must be in place in the event of test failure

What conditions must apply to cattle coming on to the unit?

• Must be under 10 months old
• Can come from TB restricted and unrestricted herds
• If from restricted herds must have tested clear within the last 60 days (not required if under 42 days)

What happens at the unit?

• Must be TB tested at least 60 AND at least 120 days after the arrival of the last animal
• If clear, movement restrictions will be lifted with a TB 10 notice and cattle will be free to join rest of herd, graze or be sold
• In England there is the option of moving the entire group of animals (with no additions) on to a second AQU after one test n The second test will be done at the second AQU (at least 120 days after the initial quarantine)
• In Wales movements between AQUs are only permitted between two AQUs on the same premises

More details
Farmers interested in starting up an AQU or AFU should contact their local Animal Health office. For further details visit www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth

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