Feed testing still underway as mass cow death probe continues

Thursday 26 January 2023

A number of fatal bovine diseases have been ruled out in the investigation into why 112 cows suddenly died in December - but further testing of their feed by a UK laboratory is now underway.

More than three-quarters of the 137-strong Jersey herd at Woodlands Farm, which is based at Rue de Maupertuis, died in the tragedy - equating to 5% of the island's total number of milking cows.

In an update issued this morning, the Government explained that testing by the farmer's private vet that were sent for analysis immediately had ruled out a number of diagnoses that can cause high mortality in cows.

This included the notifiable diseases Anthrax, Foot and Mouth Disease and BSE.

However, samples of the feed taken by the Government's Natural Environment team are still being tested by a laboratory in the UK.

Pictured: The number of cows that suddenly died equated to 5% of the island's total number of milking cows. (Jon Guegan)

Director of Natural Environment, Willie Peggie, said the government had a "working theory and strong confidence" in what caused the cow deaths, but added that it would be "unprofessional, unwise and without scientific rigour to state that publicly just yet, until the further testing of the feed is complete."

"We can say that no 'notifiable disease' has been found, and that this is an isolated incident," he added.

"We continue to work closely with the private vet, the farmer and the laboratories. The testing is a process of elimination, and this means that the most we may be able to provide is a likely explanation of the cause, rather than one that is absolutely definitive."

READ MORE...

Investigation launched into mystery death of more than 100 cows

Cattle tragedy not caused by any contagious disease

"I've never heard of anything on this scale, anywhere in the world"

"It's been traumatic...it will take some time to get over this"

More tests needed to establish cause of mass cow deaths