From the 13 October 2008 any herd keeper that has a bovine animal that has an abortion will be entitled to avail of the free collection and disposal service. The service extends to the aborted foetus or a calf which is born dead or which dies within 24 hours of birth, as well as the placenta and any bedding/manure contaminated by placental fluids.
Outlining the pilot collection service, the Minister said: “Brucellosis is a devastating disease with severe consequences for those farms where reactors are found. This new pilot service will offer farmers added support when they report an aborted animal on their premises.
“I am pleased to be able to introduce this pilot service in response to suggestions that have been raised through the local brucellosis initiative meetings. My Department is writing to all herd keepers in the North this week about how to use the new pilot service.”
“Following the collection service’s launch on 13 October, the onus will then fall on our farmers to make good use of it. I hope that the reporting of abortions will increase as a result and that the pilot will contribute to the fight against the spread of Brucellosis here.”
“I have made £50,000 available for this pilot this year. I will watch closely to see what the uptake of this service is, and whether it might be beneficial to continue with the service in the future, subject to additional funding being available.”
To be eligible for the free collection service, herd keepers, on detection or suspicion of an abortion, must report the incident to their local Divisional Veterinary Office, who will log their report and advise them how to contact an authorised collector.
The free pilot service will run until the end of March 2009, or until the budget for the pilot has been spent if sooner. The service will be administered on behalf of DARD by the National Fallen Stock Company.
Unreported abortions have led to herd keepers not receiving compensation for their animals.
Notes to Editors:
- In Northern Ireland the reporting of abortions is carried out in accordance with EU Directive 64/432 and the Brucellosis Control Order (Northern Ireland) 2004 (S.R. 2004 No. 361) (“the Order”). Provisions also exist for the cleansing and disinfection of the area, isolation of the animal until tested and storage of infected manure.
- Veterinary Service analysis of the data suggests there is a substantial under-reporting of abortions in rate of 0.3%. This is less than 10% of the estimated number of abortions thought to occur each year in the province. To ensure compliance with the EU Directive and the Order, while increasing controls for the risk of disease, herd keepers will be able to have an aborted foetus and material removed free of charge, thus encouraging them to report abortions while removing the financial burden from them.
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