The Department of Agriculture has begun a move to force farmers to carry out TB testing on some cattle twice a year.

Initially, the new rule due to start next year will mean animals over 36 months will need to be within six months of a TB test before they go through the mart ring.

If they are not TB-tested, then the cattle buyer must test the animal within 30 days of its arrival on their farm.

Furthermore, buyers who do not comply with the 30-day testing requirement face having their herd locked up.

Phase two will see this rule eventually apply to all animals being traded live.

Ray Doyle of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) said the rules will be “an extra burden” for farmers selling livestock through marts and will be a “real cost issue” for farmers.

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