The IFA has welcomed confirmation from the Department of Agriculture that flexibility in regard to TB testing will be reintroduced as Level 5 restrictions take effect.

Farmers who wish to delay TB tests due to concerns about close contact with vets will be provided with a 28-day grace period and calves up to 120 days old will not need to have a TB test to be traded on the internal Irish market.

“The Department’s response is balanced and reasonable. It provides farmers who have COVID-19 concerns the flexibility to delay tests, while at the same time allowing for a period of trade after the due date of the test,” IFA animal health chair Pat Farrell said.

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