Ordinary sheep which die on farm after that date should not be notified to the Department’s collection service provider, Glenfarm Holdings Ltd.
The ending of the ordinary fallen sheep collections under the TSE surveillance programme does not affect the continuing free collection service for fallen sheep and goats (over 18 months of age) originating from Scrapie Monitored Flocks, fallen sheep (over 18 months of age) from flocks restricted under the Compulsory Scrapie Flocks Scheme and all fallen goats (over 18 months of age) from any herd. Eligible sheep and goats which have died within the previous 24 hours will continue to be collected and tested for TSEs in accordance with EU requirements.
Flock / herd keepers should notify Glenfarm Customer Services at (028) 9445 1919 between 8.00 am and 4.00 pm Monday to Friday and 9.00 am to noon on Saturdays if they have an eligible sheep or goat for collection. Carcases must be tagged for identification purposes.
Notes to Editors
1. EC Regulation (EC) 999/2001 (as amended) lays down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). The Department is required to operate several surveillance testing programmes, including that for scrapie in sheep and goats.
2. To facilitate the annual testing programme, consisting of a quota of 700 fallen sheep over 18 months of age, a free collection service has been in operation since 1 September 2008. The Service is operated on behalf of the Department by Glenfarm Holdings Ltd.
3. All fallen sheep and goats (over 18 months of age) from Scrapie Monitored Flocks and Compulsory Scrapie Scheme Flocks must continue to be notified for collection and TSE tested.
4. All notified fallen goats in Northern Ireland continue to be collected for TSE testing.
5. The maximum 24 hour timescale for notification is necessary because brain tissue, which is required for testing, decomposes very quickly.
6. All media queries to DARD Press Office on 028 905 24619. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
