Investigation launched as more than 100 Jersey cows die

Monday 19 December 2022

Jersey's dairy farming community has been left "totally devastated" after more than a hundred cows from a high-yielding dairy herd fell ill and died, this weekend.

The cause of the deaths at Woodlands Farm in St.Helier is not yet known.

The States of Guernsey's Vet has been involved in work to try and establish the cause of the deaths and that work is ongoing today. 

Pictured: More than 100 cows have fallen ill and died since Thursday. 

This morning, it was also that confirmed 33,000 litres of milk collected from across Jersey on Friday and stored at Jersey Dairy - which included some from cows from the farm – was to be disposed of as a precaution.

Officials say there is no risk to human health.

Eamon Fenlon, Managing Director of Jersey Dairy, said the group A herd numbered 120 cattle, of which the 'large majority' had died, with the remainder being treated by vets.

He said: "People are devastated – they are walking away from the farm crying.

"These cattle are the equivalent of thoroughbred racehorses, and for someone in the industry it's like they have lost a member of their family."

Pictured: Jersey's Environment Minister Jonathan Renouf. 

Jersey's Environment Minister Jonathan Renouf expressed his regret at the "awful news" and confirmed that an investigation was underway. 

“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. Discussions are underway about how best to dispose of the milk currently in storage. 

“I’m thankful to the local vets, Government of Jersey officials, and fellow farmers who have responded over the past few days. Colleagues from the States Veterinary team, Operations and Transport, Regulation, and Public Health have been liaising closely through the weekend, and we’ve also had support from the States Vet in Guernsey.” 

Director of Public Health, Professor Peter Bradley, added: “Islanders can be reassured that there is no risk to health, as milk is being disposed of. We’re working with colleagues across Government and the situation will be monitored closely over the next couple of days.”

Pictured: Samples from the batch of feed believed to be responsible had been sent to a UK laboratory for analysis.

Deputy Renouf said colleagues from the States Veterinary team, Operations and Transport, Regulation, and Public Health had been liaising closely through the weekend, with advice also being sought from the States Vet in Guernsey.

"It’s not yet known for sure what has happened here, and isolating the cause quickly will be incredibly important,' he said. 'Samples from feed and the animals themselves have been taken for analysis."

The Environment Minister added that he was reassured to learn that no milk from the specifically-affected cattle had entered the food chain.

Woodlands Farm is run by the Le Boutillier family, who have been milking Jersey cows and growing Jersey Royals at the farm for five generations.