The Department of Agriculture is considering outsourcing BSE testing duties at knackeries.

Under EU regulations, Ireland is required to sample for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in all fallen bovine animals over 48 months of age. Some 65,000 cattle are tested each year across 36 knackeries. Approximately 10,000 sheep are also tested for scrapie annually.

The Department is interested in engaging an external tester to undertake the collection of samples from fallen cattle and sheep on its behalf.

Meetings will be held between the Department and interested parties to discuss a number of areas, including pricing, that will be central to any tendering process.

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