Farmers north and south of the border will have the option to defer their TB test if it cannot be completed for reasons associated with COVID-19 under newly issued protocols. Farmers will be able to do so without incurring any penalties or additional costs. However, the trading status of the herd will be suspended and movement restrictions will apply if the window for testing expires.
Farmers north and south of the border will have the option to defer their TB test if it cannot be completed for reasons associated with COVID-19 under newly issued protocols.
Farmers will be able to do so without incurring any penalties or additional costs. However, the trading status of the herd will be suspended and movement restrictions will apply if the window for testing expires.
The Department of Agriculture has said that farmers can avail of the allowances if they are self-isolating due to symptoms of COVID-19 or they are part of a vulnerable or at-risk group.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DEARA) in Northern Ireland has also made the same allowances.
In the Republic, if the test is Department-paid, a delay due to COVID-19 will not be grounds to make it a farmer-paid test.
Where tests do take place, the Department has advised that every effort must be made to ensure social distancing between the farmer and vet. A plan should be made which may include greater use of a head gate or a longer guide stick to help raise heads.
Animals should not be tested if the vet and farmer cannot comply with social distancing guidelines. Untested animals should be submitted with the note “unable to restrain”. Arrangements can then be made to test them at a later date when adequate restraint is provided.
Farms will have their trading licence suspended until all animals are tested.
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