IFA Welcomes Continuation of Bvd Support Payments

IFA Animal Health Project Team Chairman Bert Stewart has welcomed the continuation of support in the BVD Programme for 2015 and the increase in the rate payable.

He said the provision of direct financial supports is critical in ensuring the early disposal of PIs and that the programme achieves its objectives.

He said the next critical step for Anima Health Ireland is to develop a lower level cost and monitoring programme for farmers who have completed 3 years of tissue tag testing.

Bert Stewart said this was not available for farmers who entered the programme in 2012 but must be provided for all farmers in 2016, in line with the commitments given to farmers in relation to the costs and duration of the Eradication Programme.

The supports provided for 2015 are as follows:

Beef Herds

A payment of €140 for each beef breed PI born in a suckler herd that is shown to be disposed of to a knackery within 5 weeks of the first test.

A reduced payment of €90 will apply in respect of such calves disposed of to a knackery within 7 weeks of the first test.

Dairy Herds

A payment of €100 for each dairy breed PI heifer calf born in a dairy herd that is shown to be disposed to a knackery within 5 weeks of the first test.

A reduced payment of €50 will apply in respect of such calves disposed of to a knackery within 7 weeks of the first test.