Channel Islands: Over 100 cows fall ailing and die in 4 days

Greater than 100 cows on a Jersey dairy farm have fallen ailing and died since Thursday (December 15), the Jersey authorities has mentioned right now (Monday, December 19).

Atmosphere Minister, Jonathan Renouf, mentioned it’s unclear what led to the “devastating loss”.

Samples from the feed and the animals have been despatched for evaluation to assist decide the reason for this illness and loss of life. Evaluation of the samples “can take round per week due (to) its specialist nature”, Minister Renouf mentioned.

The lifeless cattle have been taken to the Animal Carcass Incinerator, the federal government mentioned.

Cattle in a separate a part of the herd on the identical farm – Woodlands Farm, which is run by the Le Boutillier household – have been unaffected.

“I’m reassured to listen to that no milk from the particularly affected sub-herd has entered the meals chain, and that each precaution has been taken to safeguard public and animal well being,” the minister added.

“Discussions are underway about how greatest to get rid of the milk at present in storage.

“I’m grateful to the native vets, Authorities of Jersey officers, and fellow farmers who’ve responded over the previous few days.

“Colleagues from the states veterinary crew, operations and transport, regulation, and public well being have been liaising carefully via the weekend, and we’ve additionally had assist from the states vet in Guernsey.”

Director of Public Well being, Professor Peter Bradley, added: “Islanders may be reassured that there is no such thing as a threat to well being, as milk is being disposed of.

“We’re working with colleagues throughout authorities and the state of affairs will likely be monitored carefully over the following couple of days.”

Lack of 100 cows in Jersey ‘devastating’

Eamon Fenlon, managing director of Jersey Dairy, dairy producers for the island, mentioned he was “completely devastated” by what occurred to the cows.

“Shedding part of a herd like that is heartbreaking. We are able to’t think about how troublesome that is for Charlie (farmer), his household and all at Woodlands,” he mentioned.

“Phrases can not specific the heartache we really feel for them, and we can not start to grasp the shock that they should be feeling.

“We hope they will discover the energy and steerage to convey them via this troublesome and tragic time.

“We’re very grateful to all who rallied round over the weekend to assist at Woodlands on this time of want. It was heartening to see that neighborhood spirit.

“Investigations are persevering with to find out the foundation reason for what has occurred at Woodlands. We all know that it’s an remoted incident and that no different farms are affected.”