An Post has once again raised the price of posting bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) samples for testing. The new rate is applicable from Thursday 13 April.

A text from Animal Health Ireland (AHI) was sent on Friday, alerting farmers to the increase in the charges. The sample rate has increase by 35c.

“Notice from ANHI: revised charged from An Post. From 13 April the minimum fee for BVD samples is €1.65.”

The rate is applicable for one sample right up to an envelope of 10 samples.

An Post has advised AHI that it “will retain envelopes where the correct postage has not been paid”.

This is the third consecutive yearly increase from An Post for BVD samples.

Last year, An Post increased the charge by 5c to €1.30.

The rate of sending BVD samples has increased by 55c over the last three years.

Labeling

Advice on packaging and labelling also remains the same. Farmers are advised to place samples in a sealable bag and place inside a padded envelope. The name, address and herd number of the farmer submitting the sample should be recorded on the top left corner of the envelope, while the text ‘‘exempt animal specimen’’ should be recorded on the back of the envelope.

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