TESTING programmes for BSE and scrapie are being extended.

All fallen stock and casualty cattle aged 24-30 months will now be tested for BSE in addition to over-30-month cattle (which have been tested since July). In addition, a sample of 3,00 fallen sheep and 20,000 sheep slaughtered at abattoirs will be tested for scrapie.

The changes take effect January 1 and registered cattle keepers are being informed by DEFRA they must report cattle aged over 24 months instead of just those aged over 30 months.

Updated: 08:50 Thursday, December 20, 2001