The collection period will run until 31 December 2008 or until the quota of 600 fallen sheep is reached, which ever is the sooner. The collection service is operated by Glenfarm Holdings Ltd on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Up to two fallen sheep can be collected from each holding under this testing programme.
To be eligible for collection, 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 should be tagged for identification purposes.
Flock keepers who have fallen sheep that meet the criteria should contact Glenfarm Customer Services, on (028) 9445 1919 between 8.00 am and 4.00 pm 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 and no more than two fallen sheep from each holding can be collected for testing.
The 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 to Editors:
- 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, including that for scrapie in sheep and goats.
- 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.
- Based on the Northern Ireland sheep population over 18 months of age a total of 700 fallen sheep require to be tested annually. Approximately 600 fallen sheep remain to be tested before 31 December 2008.
- 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.
- All fallen sheep and goats over 18 months of age from Scrapie Monitored Flocks and Compulsory Scrapie Scheme Flocks must be notified for collection and TSE tested.
- All media enquiries to DARD Press Office on 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.
