Sudden Death

Question 1

When is emergency slaughter allowed?

Answer 1

‘An otherwise healthy animal must have suffered an accident that prevented its transport to the slaughterhouse for welfare reasons’

Question 2

What must happen when emergency slaughter is carried out?

Answer 2

No residues – autoworm boluses!
Vet must be present at time of slaughter
NO PITHING

Question 3

What is the clean livestock policy?

Answer 3

Category based on the external cleanliness of the animal
Animals in category 3 or above are unable to proceed for normal slaughter

Question 4

If livestock dies on farm, what action is not permitted?

Answer 4

Burial or open burning

Question 5

What is the appropriate action when livestock dies on farm?

Answer 5

Collection by an approved transporter and transported for disposal or an approved treatment to a:
- Knacker
- Hunt kennel
- Maggot farm
- Incinerator
- Renderer

Question 6

Carcasses from cattle aged over 48 months must be tested for …?

Answer 6

BSE

Question 7

How are animal by products transported?

Answer 7

Animal by-products (ABPs) must be transported in covered leak-proof containers/vehicles and be accompanied by a commercial document.

Question 8

List the criteria which would lead to an animal being slaughtered on farm with the body disposed as fallen stock.

Answer 8

• Not fit for human consumption
• Not clean
• Not identifiable as doesn’t have at least one ear tag or a matching passport
• Not free from residues, withdrawal periods haven’t been observed
• Not fit to be travelled to the slaughterhouse

Question 9

If an animal is unfit to travel to the slaughterhouse but is otherwise healthy (i.e. suffered an accident preventing it from travelling) what action should be taken?

Answer 9

Animal may be slaughtered on farm and the body transported to a slaughterhouse with a veterinary certificate (appendix B).

Question 10

BSE sampling should take place how long after death?

Answer 10

Within 72 hours

Question 11

What is the national fallen stock company?

Answer 11

• Initially reduced cost to farmers of disposing of their fallen stock - 50% contribution
• Government contributed (£20 million) on a declining basis for a limited period until November 2008
• Now ownership of NFSCo transfer wholly to industry
• Not for profit
• Horses too

Question 12

Describe the O48 scheme

Answer 12

Over 48 months of age
Legally need testing for BSE
Brainstem sample at approved site

Question 13

What costs are involved in the collection of fallen stock?

Answer 13

Variable depending on collector
All premises approved under the Animal by-products regulations able to register as Collectors (knackers, hunt kennels, maggot farms, renderers and incinerators)
“Collectors may provide charges on the basis of:
- a standard container (e.g. 25kg bag for new born lambs and piglets, and for small quantities of poultry)
- weight for poultry
- headage basis for all other species /categories

Question 14

What are the 2 DDx of sudden death with haemorrhage?

Answer 14

Calving injury
Abomasal ulceration - NSAIDS

Question 15

Which plant causes sudden death?

Answer 15

Yew – Church yards – walk the boundary to assess if it is present

Question 16

Describe how lightening causes sudden death and how to diagnose this

Answer 16

• Time of year / weather
• PM Diagnosis – carcass marks – insurance
• Carcass will be skinned keeping the ear tag on for identification
• Will usually seen one mark on the back region and then haemorrhage down one or two legs – entry wound

Question 17

Sudden grass growth can cause sudden death due to?

Answer 17

Hypermagnesemia
PM Diagnosis – vitreous or aqueous humour

Question 18

List some other causes of sudden death

Answer 18

Hypocalcaemia
Toxaemia – mastitis, metritis
Bloat 1°, 2 ° or PM
Black leg - Cl. Chauvoei – leg muscle
Black disease - Cl. novyi – liver
Anthrax – Bacillus Anthracis

Question 19

How do cases of sudden death due to anthrax present?

Answer 19

No rigor mortis, blood not clotted, black and tarry

Question 20

Describe the procedure/actions to take if anthrax is suspected

Answer 20

Anthrax Order of 1991, Animal Health Act, 1981
- Must be an OV authorised to do anthrax tests.
- Farmer informs Vet of sudden death
- Vet telephones local APHA office
- Out of hours can do the test first, but must telephone next working day
- Given a reference number if DEFRA want the test
- You may do a private investigation, without telling the Ministry of a negative finding, but you will not be paid
- APHA will tell the police and Local Authority if positive