Relaxation of brucellosis testing to save farmers €2.5m annually

DAIRY and beef farmers will save €2.5 million annually thanks to the relaxation of brucellosis blood testing for suckler and dry stock herds, according to the Irish Farmers Association (IFA).

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has decided to exempt 50% of suckler and dry stock herds from Brucellosis tests. This should save farmers €2.5m during 2011.

This decision will remove 800,000 animals from the testing regime in 2011.