Free Collection Service For Fallen Sheep Available Now

Flock keepers are reminded that a free collection service for fallen sheep carcases is currently operating to facilitate TSE surveillance testing.  

The collection period will end on 31 December 2008. The collection service is operated by Glenfarm Holdings Ltd on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD). No more than two fallen sheep can be collected from each holding annually under this testing programme.

To be eligible for the free collection service, fallen sheep must be over 18 months of age and have died within the previous 24 hours.  The reason for this short timescale is because brain tissue, which is required for testing, decomposes quickly. The carcases must be tagged for identification purposes.

Flock keepers who have fallen sheep that meet the above criteria should contact: Glenfarm Customer Services , telephone: 028 9445 1919 between 8.00am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday and 9am to noon on Saturday.  

There is no guarantee or obligation on the Department or Glenfarm Holdings Ltd that sheep will be collected.

The free collection service for all fallen sheep, over 18 months of age, from Scrapie Monitored Flocks and flocks restricted under the Compulsory Scrapie Flocks Scheme continues as normal.  The collection service for all fallen goats, over 18 months of age, also continues to operate.  Any eligible fallen sheep or goats should be notified to Glenfarm Customer Services on the number shown above.  

Notes for Editors

1. In accordance with Regulation (EC) 999/2001 (as amended), which lays down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), the Department operates several surveillance testing programmes for TSEs such as scrapie in sheep and goats.
2. To facilitate the surveillance testing programmes a collection service for fallen sheep and goats over 18 months of age operates on behalf of the Department by Glenfarm Holdings Ltd.
3. Based on the Northern Ireland adult sheep population, over 18 months of age, a total of 700 fallen sheep are required to be tested annually.  
4. A total of 1,000 fallen goats, over 18 months of age, are required to be tested annually in the UK. All notified fallen goats in Northern Ireland will be collected for TSE testing.
5. All fallen sheep and goats, over 18 months of age, from Scrapie Monitored Flocks and from flocks restricted under the Compulsory Scrapie Flock Scheme must be notified for collection and TSE tested.
6. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.