Cost of BSE tests questioned

FARMERS have questioned the cost of nearly four million BSE tests carried out in Ireland since 2001.

Currently, farmers pay up to €19.20 per head for testing, which is compulsory for all cattle being slaughtered at more than 30 months of age.

“Charges are varying across the different factories. There needs to be a complete revision of the scheme”, said Noel Woulfe, a member of the IFA National Livestock Committee, during a Limerick IFA meeting.