Vol. 416 No. 7
20 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will postpone the implementation of the new EC-backed accelerated TB programme and if, in the meantime, he will allow farmers to carry out the private testing of cattle for sale within the State until such time as the full round of TB testing gets fully under way.
In line with the requirement set out in Programme for Economic and Social Progress I have convened a group comprising farming and veterinary interests to devise an appropriate agreed strategy for the bovine TB programme over the next four years, including the securing of substantial EC funding. The group discussions will conclude in the near future, following which arrangements will be put in place for the round test.
Under EC legislation all cattle for movement or sale must have had a herd test in the last 12 months. Herdowners who are not in this position can arrange the necessary herd test through the district veterinary office. Where a herd test has taken place within the last 12 months a herdowner can of course continue to private-test.
