ASF Contingency Planning for Fallen Stock Collectors

Current arrangements

1. Fallen stock collectors should be adopting high levels of biosecurity to ensure they do not spread any diseases. The fact that the ASF risk to the UK is currently at medium should in theory mean that there is no need for any additional levels of biosecurity to those practiced whilst the UK remains ASF free. 

2. Recommendations and guidance for fallen stock collectors include the comprehensive NFSCo CIC Biosecurity Guidance of March 2015 (Summary at Annex 1 and full guidance PDF Attached) and the agreed PED SOP 9. The guidance  includes:

i) Collection vehicles must be kept meticulously clean , this includes the cab and driver

ii) Plan one-way traffic routes at the collector’s yard to ensure dirty vehicles come in and clean vehicles go out.

iii) Vehicles should be washed and disinfected before leaving the yard every time. Extra attention should be paid to cleaning and disinfecting the vehicle once back in the yard. 

iv) Always adhere to the unit’s biosecurity protocols 

3. The NFSCo Guidance is comprehensive covering detailed guidance for collectors with respect to arrangements, vehicles and trailers, clothing and footwear and equipment. It also indicates at para 19 that “It may be necessary to require that enhanced biosecurity measures are adopted by, or other restrictions are applied to, farmers and contractors if there is an outbreak of a notifiable disease. Any such additional conditions will be made available at the appropriate time”

4. The Government Guidance on Fallen stock and safe disposal of dead animals details the responsibilities of the farmer and specifies who can collect the fallen stock. In particular it states that “You can choose to use the National Fallen Stock Company to collect and dispose of your fallen stock. This is a not for profit, industry led community interest company offering a collection service for farmers and horse owners. If you want to make your own arrangements, you should refer to the list of approved/registeredanimal by-products premises

5. The Government Guidance on the transporting animal bye products specifies that “When you’re transporting ABPs or any ABP derived products, you must make sure you:

• use vehicles and containers that are covered and leak-proof

• clean, disinfect, and dry vehicles and containers before and after every use

• keep different categories of ABPs in separate containers and separate parts of the vehicle

• only move animal protein in a vehicle designed for that purpose alone.”

ASF occurs in GB

6. Much of the guidance is voluntary and not officially enforced. In the event of an ASF outbreak in GB it is unlikely that national movement controls would be imposed. In those areas of the country not covered by restrictions there is no indication that the comprehensive guidance on the collection of fallen stock could or would be made mandatory and enforceable.

7. If ASF enters the country one would expect fallen stock collectors to check that their biosecurity arrangements are of the highest standard as shown above. There will be issues about i) multiple pickups ii) the extent to which vehicles have to go into farm premises, iii) whether smaller units/premises would have good biosecurity protocols or iv) the ability to C&D the vehicle on leaving the premises.

8. The current Defra Disease control strategy for African and Classical Swine Fever in Great Britain (ASF Contingency Plan) paragraph “5.5.4 indicates that enhanced biosecurity requirements to prevent further spread of ASFV may also be required outside of the declared control zones. For example, all vehicles used to transport livestock from premises where pigs are kept to a slaughterhouse may be required to undertake cleansing and disinfection of the vehicles used before loading the animals and before leaving the slaughterhouse”

Suspect ASF

9. Where swine fever is suspected at a premises and it is placed under restrictions, government will consider whether restrictions on other pig premises in the area are needed pending the outcome of tests. Such a temporary control zone (TCZ) is a precautionary measure designed to minimise the risk of the spread of undetected disease. Restrictions will be imposed by APHA and no pigs or carcasses can be removed from the premises under restriction. Results from any lab testing would generally be available in 24-48 hours. If negated the collection of fallen stock could continue as normal.

Confirmed ASF

10. If the case is confirmed as ASF a 3km protection (PZ) and 10km surveillance zone (SZ) will be imposed. The aim of these zones is to reduce the likelihood of lateral and onward spread of disease.  The ASF contingency plan at paragraph 7.12.1 indicates that “The Pigs cannot be moved off or onto premises in the PZ or SZ.  The movement of dead stock off pig premises in a PZ/SZ is prohibited but may be licensed, most likely when the disease situation is stable and provided they are clean carcases.  Further advice and licensing would be provided by APHA”.

Annex 1

Summary of NFSCo General Guidance

http://www.nfsco.co.uk/biosecurity-guidance.php

Biosecurity Guidance

As the scheme involves the collection and disposal of fallen stock that has died, it is particularly important that bio-security guidelines are followed. Disease is not always apparent and this is particularly applicable to those that may be in their early stages and therefore there is a real risk of collectors transferring diseases from farm to farm.

Collectors and scheme members are required to adhere to the NFSCo CIC Bio security Guidance set out by the NFSCo CIC, together with any bio-security procedures that may already be in place by the local authorities.

Before arrival on every farm the collector must ensure that the outside of vehicles or trailers are cleaned and disinfected and that appropriate protective clothing is also cleansable and disinfected between farm premises. Collectors should ensure that fallen stock collection vehicles are not taken into areas where there are livestock. Collectors should also refrain from entering these areas as well.

Scheme members also have an obligation to make sure that bio-security on their premises is not jeopardised during collections. They are encouraged to develop methods of working which are designed to minimise the movements of people, vehicle and equipment into areas with livestock. Scheme members must remove any fallen stock to areas where other livestock and wildlife do not have access and where possible, e.g. poultry, young stock, small ruminants, stored in leak proof, vented and covered containers.

If you suspect that your stock may be infected with or has died from a notifiable disease or if you have had sudden/unexpected deaths in your livestock, you must notify your local Animal Health Divisional Office (AHDO) immediately for further investigation.

Please note this page is for guidance only. For full details please view the Bio Security Guidelines below. 

Download the Download the Bio Security Guidelines »