My family have farmed here for over 50 years, and never had a negative test. For whatever reason, this last test on the animals on the rented portion, showed three had TB. Next door showed two with it, and three more farms had animals affected.
My goats are on a separate holding, just up the track .....but I know a farm higher up the lane was one of those affected. Badgers walk a long way from their setts, so its likely these same badgers pass my land up the track. I am prepared to have my goats tested, and accept that if they are affected they have to go. If you keep livestock, you have to accept all that comes with it, even the bad stuff. For those of you who only keep a couple of goats which are pets, I can understand this would be really hard. Like I said, the likelyhood of it happening, is remote for normal pet homes with just a few goats.
I don't think you can have them tested unless the ministry vets are aware of an outbreak near you and request your animals are tested. Well, you can have them done, but would have to pay the vets to come out test, return in two days, etc. etc. so it could work out costly - to be told that all is well. Plus, I should point out, that some of the cows on here, tested clear in one test, and then because they need more clear tests, they showed up next time. So,it seems just because the goat does not have it now, that its not rearing its ugly head for the next test.
Also, there is no way of knowing, as usually there are no outward symptoms (the cows looked fit and healthy! which makes it hard to spot without a test, and makes it hard to accept, when your animals is bouncing with health.