Livestock Issues

Wednesday, 17 June 2026

Questions (148)

Michael Cahill

Question:

148. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to delays being experienced by farmers in the delivery of BVD samples to approved laboratories; if concerns have been raised with his Department regarding postal delays affecting the timely processing of samples and the sale/movement of livestock; the engagement his Department has had with An Post, laboratories and relevant stakeholders to ensure samples are delivered without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46102/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The BVD programme continues to perform strongly, with high levels of farmer compliance in tag sampling and designated laboratories processing samples promptly on receipt. The number of cases in 2026 is trending substantially lower than 2025.

Where farmers delays have arisen, these have largely related to the postal transit of samples rather than to any failure on the part of farmers or laboratories.

Animal Health Ireland (AHI), which operates the National BVD eradication programme, has been vocal in its concern of occasional failures in the postal service; it has met directly with An Post to outline farmer concerns and has raised the matter regularly at meetings of the BVD Implementation Group.

In addition, AHI has informed my Department that it is proactively engaging with all stakeholders to identify practical solutions that will minimise the impact of postal delays on herdowners and ensure the continued effective operation of the programme.