NFSCo Prepared to Take on BSE-testing
UK - The National Fallen Stock Company (NFSCo) has told Defra it is willing to take over the job of collecting fallen cattle for BSE testing – but only if the Department contributes towards the cost.Defra currently collects and disposes of around 220,000 over-24-month fallen cattle each year that, under EU legislation, must be BSE tested. This costs it around £32million each year.
But from January 10, 2009, Defra intends to cease paying for collections as part of its programme of shifting animal health costs on to the industry. It will continue to pay for the BSE tests.