Suspect sheep at Welsh abattoir

13 March 2001



Suspect sheep at Welsh abattoir

By Robert Davies, Wales correspondent

ONE of the biggest abattoirs in Wales has been quarantined as a precaution after a local farmer unloaded 23 lame sheep at the lairage.

The sheep in a consignment of 49 animals from a farm at Llanfair Caereinion, Powys, that arrived at Hamer Internationals Llanidloes plant.

Over 1000 sheep were already penned and other farmers were on the site delivering stock when the animals arrived on Monday (12 March).

Veterinary inspectors closed the plant and all vehicles will be disinfected.

Farmers who might have had contact with the suspect sheep were advised to telephone home for a complete change of clothing before leaving the abattoir.

Samples were taken for testing at Pirbright in Surrey. General manager Paul Brown said results were expected late on Tuesday (13 March).

Farmers Union of Wales president Bob Parry was shocked by the news that unfit animals had been sent for slaughter under the emergency licensing system.

“The responsibility to ensure that livestock is completely healthy rests with the farmer, and it is a responsibility that must not be taken lightly,” he insisted.

“Farmers have a duty not only to themselves, but also to their friends and neighbours in the farming community to ensure this disease is totally eradicated.”