Sellers of cattle in marts will be able to trade all cattle within the timings of their current annual herd tests, under the new TB regulations coming into effect on February 1st, 2023.
That is according to ICOS, which has released a statement this morning (Wednesday, January 25th, 2023) in relation to the new TB testing rules.
A spokesperson outlined that only animals that originate from a herd that has not been tested within the last six months, or an animal itself not having had a TB test within the last six months, will require post-movement testing.
In that instance, the spokesperson added, buyers of cattle will subsequently be notified of any additional post-movement testing requirements directly by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Doyle comments
Ray Doyle, ICOS Environment and Livestock Executive, commented that:
“Farmers are guaranteed their sale day at the mart and therewill be no disruption to buying or selling activity caused by the new rules.”
“If your herd has been tested in the last six months, including the animal that you are selling, then additional testing will not be necessary.”
“The majority of animals being brought to the marts satisfy the required time intervals and will not need additional testing.”
“In time, as buyers and sellers become more familiar with the new regulations, most will be able to time their annual herd tests to remain compliant and to avoid any unnecessary costs arising from standalone or additional testing,” he added.
Rising TB levels
That’s Farming previously published an article on how new TB testing rules will impact farmers.
February 1st, 2023, will see the roll-out of the first phase of new TB testing rules in Ireland.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has yet to confirm when it will implement the second leg, which will see the same measures apply to animals from 6-weeks of age, which you can read via this news article.
According to the DAFM, the level of bovine TB has been rising in Ireland for the last six years.
