Free livestock carcase collecting service increases haulier numbers

The number of haulage companies that collect livestock carcases from farms free of charge have increased from 7 to 29.

The hauliers work on behalf of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and collect carcases for disease investigation.

This increase in providers, which took effect from 1 April 2019, means that carcases can be collected more quickly from farms.

The carcases are then delivered to a post mortem examination (PME) laboratory. APHA says this will lead to a more efficient service.

Examinations are undertaken at any one of the agency's six Veterinary Investigation Centres (VICs), with the aim of detecting new or re-emerging animal disease threats and identifying changes in endemic disease trends.

The carcase collection service is available in England and Wales to farms within one hour’s drive from either one of the VICs or partner PME providers.

The service is provided when disease is suspected and PME of the carcase may be of surveillance value.

To access the service farmers have been told to contact their vet who in turn contacts the duty vet at their local PME centre.