More than 100 dairy cows at a Jersey farm have fallen ill and died since Thursday, the Government of Jersey’s Natural Environment team can confirm. Cattle in a separate part of the herd on the same farm have been unaffected, and samples from the feed and the animals have been sent for analysis.
33,000 litres of milk collected from across the Island on Friday and stored at Jersey Dairy - which included some from cows from the farm – will be disposed of as a precaution.
Minister for the Environment, Deputy Jonathan Renouf, said: “We don’t yet know, for sure, what has caused this devastating loss of so many of this dairy herd, and my thoughts are with all those at the farm having to come to terms with what’s happened. The analysis of the samples will tell us more, but this can take around a week due its specialist nature.
“I’m reassured to hear that no milk from the specifically affected sub herd has entered the food chain, and that every precaution has been taken to safeguard public and animal health. Discussions are underway about how best to dispose of the milk currently in storage.
“I’m thankful to the local vets, Government of Jersey officials, and fellow farmers who have responded over the past few days. Colleagues from the States Veterinary team, Operations and Transport, Regulation, and Public Health have been liaising closely through the weekend, and we’ve also had support from the States Vet in Guernsey.”
The dead cattle have been taken to the Animal Carcass Incinerator.
Director of Public Health, Professor Peter Bradley, added: “Islanders can be reassured that there is no risk to health, as milk is being disposed of. We’re working with colleagues across Government and the situation will be monitored closely over the next couple of days.”
Government of Jersey News Release