Fallen stock disposal
For all livestock - The legal position
The Animal By-Products (Scotland) Regulations 2003 makes it illegal to bury or burn fallen stock on-farm. While there is a derogation from the ban on burial in some parts of Scotland classed as 'remote areas' this does not mean burial should be regarded as the first option in remote areas, rather it should be the very last option considered for disposal purposes.
Cattle
Most cattle keepers in the remote area are still required to submit adult fallen cattle to a sample site for BSE testing. See link to BSE surveillance requirements.
Sheep and Goats
For adult sheep and goats only, under the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (Scotland) Regulations 2006 all livestock keepers, including those within the 'remote area', have a legal responsibility to report the death or slaughter on-farm of all sheep and goats aged over 18 months to the TSE Surveillance helpline number - 0800 525890. On no account should an adult sheep or goat be buried or burned on-farm without official approval.
The science behind the ban on farm burial
Scientific evidence shows that the degradation process essential to ensure reduction of BSE/ TSE infectivity could not be guaranteed by burial. It has been established that even after burial scrapie infected material can persist in the soil for years and present a source of infection to older animals. Improper burial can also cause pollution problems and act as a vector for the transmission of other disease to man, animals, birds and insects.
How you can comply
Various disposal options are available to livestock keepers.
- Make your own arrangements:
Producers are at liberty to make their own commercial arrangements with an approved disposal operator (such as the local knackery or hunt kennel). - Approved Incineration:
Producers can install their own approved incineration unit on-farm (Contact your local animal health office for details). - Join the NFSCo:
Producers can join the National Fallen Stock Scheme which provides a biosecure, uniform collection and disposal service throughout most parts of the UK including the "remote areas" on the Scottish mainland. Phone 0845 054 8888 or visit www.nfsco.co.uk for further details.
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