Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
427. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to urgently examine an issue for a person (details supplied) regarding difficulties with the delivery of BVD samples; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46564/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe BVD Eradication programme performs strongly in 2026, with high levels of farmer compliance in tag sampling and designated laboratories processing samples promptly on receipt. The number of BVD cases this year is trending substantially lower than 2025.
Where delays in the submission of BVD samples 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 regarding 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.
