Increase In Age For BSE Testing Will Deliver Significant Savings To Clare Farmers

The increase in age to 48 months came into effect on 1st January 2009. It is estimated that the number of cattle to be tested will fall by about 400,000 a year and will result in annual savings of more than EUR8m in testing costs.

"This increase will deliver very significant savings to Clare farmers who currently have to pay for the testing of animals over 30 months," commented Minister Killeen.

The Clare T.D. added, "In line with the views of Minister Brendan Smith, I believe that the requirement to test all cattle over 30 months was no longer justified in light of the significant reduction in BSE cases and the ages of confirmed cases. Accordingly, the new testing age is a complete vindication of the position Minister Smith has advocated since his appointment, when he identified the increase in the minimum age for BSE testing as a priority."

Minister Killeen concluded by praising all concerned for their co-operation in implementing the various controls that had been in place and that have now led to the less demanding testing regime.

-ENDS-

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900