Jersey’s environment minister, Jonathan Renouf, has said that the “testing process is continuing” to discover the cause of death of over 100 cattle on the island in December of 2022.
The cattle, from Woodlands Farm, fell ill and died in the space of a few days from December 15. The Jersey government confirmed that samples from both the animals and their feed were sent to be analysed to determine the cause of death.
The minister said yesterday (Thursday, January 12) that “the Natural Environment team, the private vet and the farmer are working in partnership to investigate the cause of this incident”.
“As part of this work, a range of samples were taken, and the testing process is continuing.
“We are pursuing the most relevant diagnostic methodologies, in consultation with labs and specialists.
“We are, so far, assured that this was a localised event, but need additional tests to be able to say more about what has happened in this case.
“The testing is complex, and results are not always conclusive in these cases.”
Cattle in Jersey
The cattle that died in Jersey were part of the Le Boutillier family’s herd on the Woodlands Farm.
Following the retrieval of samples, the animals were then sent to the Animal Carcass Incinerator.
At the time, Eamon Fenlon, the managing director of Jersey Dairy, said he was “totally devastated” by what happened to the cows.
Jersey Dairy, the dairy producers on the island, reassured the public that it was an isolated incident and that no other farms had been affected.
“Losing a part of a herd like this is heartbreaking. We can’t imagine how difficult this is for Charlie (farmer), his family and all at Woodlands,” Fenlon said.
“Words cannot express the heartache we feel for them, and we cannot begin to understand the shock that they must be feeling.
“We hope they can find the strength and guidance to bring them through this difficult and tragic time.
“We are very grateful to all who rallied around over the weekend to help at Woodlands in this time of need. It was heartening to see that community spirit.
