The cost of sending BVD samples is set to rise with new An Post charges for 2018. The cost of sending up 10 samples will increase from €1.65 to €1.80 from 4 April.

If the postage paid is not enough, samples will be delayed. Enfer recommends that larger amounts of tags should be registered to ensure delivery.

A Clare farmer recently lost 78 tags in the post and had to retest the entire batch. An Post said that anyone with postage issues can call 01-705 7600.