The issue of delays in relation to the delivery of bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) samples sent by farmers to labs has been flagged by Animal Health Ireland (AHI), which noted that it has raised this issue with An Post.
The matter was raised to ensure any issues can be resolved ahead of next spring when the number of BVD samples being sent will spike in line with spring calving on farms.
AgriLand understands that delays up to almost a month have been experienced by industry stakeholders.
In a brief statement to AgriLand, a spokesperson for AHI said:
AHI is aware of reports of delays with the delivery of BVD samples, having received these both from farmers and testing laboratories.
“David Graham, as chair of the BVD Implementation Group, has brought this to the attention of An Post, highlighting the importance of having any issues resolved before submission volumes increase next spring.
“An Post is currently investigating, and in the meantime has asked AHI to highlight the following points in relation to the submission of samples.”
- Seal all items securely;
- Ensure that the relevant cost of postage is applied and that items are properly addressed; and
- Ensure a return address applied to the item in the top left hand corner if not using a business reply or freepost service.
“In addition, AHI’s information on the submission of BVD samples can be accessed on the AHI website,” the organisation representative concluded.