Anger at early TB tests

LIVESTOCK farmers whose annual herd test has been brought forward by as much as six months claim they are being shortchanged by the Department of Agriculture, and are seeking redress.

Farmers at a recent Limerick IFA meeting said they have to pay for the test and are entitled to get 12 months out of it. But some of them are being put under extreme pressure to proceed with the test up to six months early.

David Thompson said, “If the Department want to bring the test forward, they should be responsible for the extra cost”.

According to Pat Meskell, a Senior Veterinary Inspector with the Department of Agriculture in Limerick, they want all farmers in each area to be tested at the same time.

He said testing in Limerick is was being carried out in six phases. If farmers do not carry out testing within the specified time, warning letters are issued.