BSE test cost transfer delayed

THE decision of the Department of Agriculture to transfer the cost of the BSE test on carcasses of older animals going through the factories to the factory/producer has been delayed — but it is remains on the agenda.

The Enfer test is presently required to be carried out on all carcasses of animals over 30 months being slaughtered for the food chain, so as to confirm no presence of BSE. The cost of carrying out the test is currently at 23/head.

As part of the restriction on expenditure in farming by the Department of Agriculture, the cost of the test, which has been paid for by the department since it was introduced, was scheduled to transfer to factory/producer from early this month.