Commission approval to extend BSE testing from 30 to 48 days

IFA Deputy President Derek Deane said as a result of Commission approval of Irelands application to extend BSE testing from 30 to 48 months on all animals, the way is now clear for the Minister to immediately pass the resulting savings of up to €2m between now and year-end onto farmers by immediately putting in place the new rules. Mr. Deane said we are at the critical time of year for over 30 month cattle and immediate implementation of the new rules will allow farmers save €20/head on animals over 30 months of age slaughtered between now and year-end. The IFA Deputy President said, this measure will be worth up to €10m annually to farmers and is a direct acknowledgement of the effectiveness of the BSE controls in place and the dramatic drop in incidence of the disease in this country by the Commission. Ends