A FARMER’S practical solution to ear tag loss on cattle sent to the mart is being suggested to the veterinary section of the Department of Agriculture.

FARMERS in Co Limerick have renewed efforts to get alleged high livestock mortality levels around Askeaton investigated after Bord Pleanala has been told of high demand for livestock knackery services in the area.

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.

FIELD trials of a vaccine for TB control in badgers are expected to commence within months.

Ireland is now better prepared to deal with an outbreak of bird flu following the testing of a contingency plan on a farm in Co Limerick today.