What an 'animal by-product' is

For this purpose the term includes 'animals and parts of animals that have died other than by being slaughtered for human consumption' and 'where specified risk material has not been removed, entire bodies of dead animals containing specified risk material'.

The Animal By-Products Regulations 2003 require that fallen farm animals (including stillborn animals) are collected and transported without undue delay to an approved premise for:

• incineration or rendering
• disposal at an approved technical plant
• diagnostic, educational or research purposes
• taxidermy.

They can be taken to an authorised knacker yard or to authorised premises for feeding to:

• zoo and circus animals
• reptiles and birds of prey
• dogs from recognised kennels or recognised packs of hounds
• maggots for fishing bait.

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) monitoring

Cattle keepers are legally required to report the death of a bovine animal over 24 months of age to Animal Handling Facilities on Freephone 0800 525890. Once reported, the carcass will be removed from your premises at the earliest possible opportunity and taken for sampling.

No charge is made for this collection and disposal service. Failure to notify within 24 hours of death or of the carcass coming into your possession or charge is an offence.

Disposal, collection and transportation

Collection

Animal by-products must be collected and transported in covered leak-proof containers / vehicles, which must be:

• cleansed, washed and disinfected after each use
• maintained in a clean condition
• clean and dry before use
• labelled 'Not for Animal Consumption'.

Transportation

During transportation a commercial document must accompany the animal by-product, specifying:

• the date the material was moved
• a description of the material and the category description (eartag number if applicable)
• the quantity of material
• place of origin of material
• name and address of carrier
• name and address of receiver and approval number (if applicable).

Documentation

The original commercial document, from a triplicate series, must be retained by the receiver. The producer and carrier retain additional copies:

• Persons consigning animal by-products to permitted places of disposal must additionally keep a record showing 1, 2 and 5 as above, and including the destination (if known).
• Persons transporting animal by-products to permitted places of disposal must additionally keep a record showing 1, 2 and 4 as above, and including the destination (if known).
• Persons receiving animal by-products at permitted places of disposal must additionally keep a record showing 2, 4 and 5 as above, and including the date of receipt.

Commercial documents and all records must be retained for at least two years. Failure to comply with the requirements is an offence against the Animal By-Products Regulations.