Island herds not thought to be at risk following cattle tragedy

Tuesday 20 December 2022

A major investigation is underway into what caused the death of 112 cows in Jersey, but so far it's not thought to be a contagious disease which might put other local cattle at risk.

Guernsey's States Vet, David Chamberlain, was called in to help, and he told Express that it is the most serious event he has seen.

“I cannot recall any animal health incident of this magnitude in my 35 years as a vet in the Channel Islands," he said.

Pictured: Guernsey's States Vet David Chamberlain. 

"This distressing event will inevitably unsettle all involved and my thoughts are with the farmer, their herdsmen, the States of Jersey team handling the situation and especially the vet.

"The case has been fast-moving and challenging to manage."

Mr Chamberlain confirmed that there is no risk to human health and other herds are not at risk. 

"While it’s a tragedy, thankfully it appears to be limited to a single group of animals and is not a contagious disease. Robust precautions have been implemented to protect other cattle and the public.

"While there is a working diagnosis, confirmatory tests are underway and being fast-tracked. My support was modest and primarily to act as a ‘sounding-board’ for my Jersey counterpart.”