Animal by-products are animals and parts of animals that have died or have been slaughtered.
Under the Animal By-Products (Wales) Regulations 2006 it is illegal to bury or openly burn livestock that have died through natural causes on farms. Farmers must now dispose of their fallen stock by either rendering or approved incineration, using the existing infrastructure and disposal operators.
There are several hunt kennels locally that can legally dispose of fallen stock. Contact our Animal Health Team on 01495 235291 for further details.
There is also a national scheme called the National Fallen Stock Scheme Company (NFSCo). The scheme aims to reduce the cost to farmers of disposing of their fallen stock. The scheme started on Monday 22 November 2004. Farmers, horse owners and businesses can register to become a member of the scheme via the NFSCo website.
Transportation of animal by-products
Arrangements must be made for carcases to be collected and transported in covered leak-proof containers or vehicles. These containers must be cleansed, washed and disinfected after every use and must be labelled 'Not for animal consumption'.
A record must be sent with the animal and should include:
- The date the animal was moved
- Description of the animal
- The quantity
- Place of origin of the animal
- Name and address of the carrier
- Name and address of the receiver and approval number (if applicable)
Fallen cattle over 48 months old
Cattle over 48 months of age, which have died or been killed on farm other than for human consumption, must be tested for BSE. Cattle keepers must arrange and pay for this themselves. A list of approved BSE testing sites can be provided by Animal Health Cardiff on 02920 768500.