Farmers reminded of Cattle Death Registration Procedures

Herd keepers are reminded that all cattle deaths (except those going for slaughter at an approved slaughterhouse) and including stillborns should be notified to DARD.

This can be done by either sending a completed MC1 to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD)’s local Divisional Veterinary Office/DARD Direct office or by going online using the Rural Portal at www.ruralni.gov.uk and then logging on to APHIS on Line.

Herd keepers should ensure that all notifications include Identification Number (Ear Tag), Colour, Breed, Sex, Date of Death and manner and place of disposal of carcase.

Carcases that are sent to Ulster Farm By Products Ltd, (UFBP) Glenavy or any other disposal or rendering facility no longer need to be accompanied by an MC1 Death Notification. Previously carcases of fallen cattle over 24 months old going into UFBP had to be accompanied by an MC1.

However for cattle over 24 months old, herdkeepers are still required to ring the Department’s agent, Glenfarm Holdings, tel 028 9445 1919 within 24 hours of the animal’s death, in order to get the carcase(s) collected and disposed of for free.

All death notifications should be received by the Department within 7seven days of the death of a bovine animal.

Notes to Editors:

1. In Northern Ireland, requirements for the registering of the deaths of bovine animals is covered by the Cattle Identification (Notification of Births, Deaths and Movements) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999.
2. All media enquiries to the DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.