Cattle testing
BSE SURVEILLANCE REQUIREMENTS
From 1 January 2009 only fallen cattle aged over 48 months must be tested for BSE
The EU Commission has agreed that the UK can increase the BSE testing age for fallen cattle to over 48 months from 1 January 2009.
The BSE Surveillance Helpline (0800 525890) will not accept cattle aged between 24 and 48 months that die after 31 December 2008. In the period 1 - 11 January, free collection, via the RPA, is only available for fallen cattle aged over 48 months at time of death.
Free collection service for fallen adult cattle ends on 11 January 2009
The helpline for free collection and disposal closes at midnight on 11 January. From 12 January onwards cattle keepers will need to make their own arrangements for the collection and disposal of fallen cattle that need to be tested for BSE.
Carcases must be taken to an approved sampling site. A list of approved sites is available on Animal Health's website at: www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth. Collectors should be aware of these sites. You can also check the list by ringing your local Animal Health Divisional Office.
If you have a query about the age of a carcase you can ring the VLA Helpline on 0845 601 1367. Helpline staff can also advise on the location of approved sampling sites. The Helpline is expected to go live on 12 January 2009.
The requirement to despatch bovine fallen stock aged over 48 months for BSE testing will apply to all cattle keepers on the Scottish mainland and on the Isles of Bute and Skye.
Other Scottish Islands
After 12 January BSE surveillance will be suspended on all islands except Bute and Skye and the freezer wagon collection service, or RPA appointed contractor, will no longer be available. Cattle keepers will need to make their own arrangements to dispose of fallen cattle locally. A map has been prepared highlighting the Scottish islands which are exempt from the surveillance requirements - see link below.
Map of Scottish islands which are exempt from the surveillance requirements
On farm disposal (i.e. burial or open burning) of fallen adult cattle will be permitted, provided this is done in accordance with Section 10 of the PEPFAA Code (Prevention of Environmental Pollution From Agricultural Activity) - see link below.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Agriculture/Environment/PEPFAA/Overview
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