Next June is the likely deadline for a reduction in compulsory BSE testing

CATTLE farmers are expected to benefit in the coming months from overdue changes in regulations which have cost them millions of euro per year.

Reducing compulsory BSE testing of slaughter cattle and allowing butchers to slaughter heifers aged over 24 months will bring welcome relief for many farmers.

More than €10 million per year is being paid for BSE testing of beef animals aged over 30 months, which costs €20 per head on average. A sharp decline in incidence of BSE, and the low likelihood of infection in animals aged under four years, have led to member states urging the EU Commission to end compulsory testing at 30 months.