Jersey cattle: Probe into 100 unexplained deaths

Analysis of samples taken from the cattle could take up to a week to come back

More than 100 dairy cows at Woodlands Farm in Jersey have fallen ill and died since Thursday, it has been confirmed.

Cattle in a separate part of the herd on the farm have been unaffected, and samples from the feed and the animals have been sent for analysis.

The government said 33,000 litres of milk collected from across the Island on Friday and stored at Jersey Dairy will be disposed of as a precaution.

The cause of the cows' deaths is not yet known, the government said.

Minister for the Environment, Deputy Jonathan Renouf, said it could take "around a week" to get the analysis back from the samples.

He said: "We don't yet know, for sure, what has caused this devastating loss of so many of this dairy herd, and my thoughts are with all those at the farm having to come to terms with what's happened."

He added: "I'm reassured to hear that no milk from the specifically affected sub herd has entered the food chain, and that every precaution has been taken to safeguard public and animal health."

Mr Renouf said discussions were underway about how best to dispose of the milk currently in storage.

Jersey Dairy said investigations were continuing to determine the root cause of what happened

The dead cattle have been taken to the Animal Carcass Incinerator, the government said.

Director of Public Health, Professor Peter Bradley, said there was no risk to health, as milk was being disposed of.

He said the situation would be monitored closely over the next couple of days.

'Heart-breaking'

Jersey Dairy said investigations were continuing to determine the root cause of what happened at Woodlands.

In a statement, Eamon Fenlon, managing director of Jersey Dairy, said this was "an isolated incident" and no other farms had been affected.

"Everyone at Jersey Dairy is totally devastated with what has happened at Woodlands Farm and our thoughts are with the Le Boutillier family and all their team at this very tragic time," Mr Fenlon said.

He added: "Losing part of a herd like this is heart-breaking.

"We can't imagine how difficult this is for Charlie, his family and all at Woodlands. 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."

Mr Fenlon said Jersey Dairy had been working with Public Health to ensure there was no risk to consumers, adding none of the company's products contained milk from the affected farm.

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