The free collection and disposal service operated by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) for bovines over 48 months of age will end on Thursday November 8.

From November 9, in accordance with the TSE (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2009, herd keepers will be required to contact the operator of an approved TSE sampling site within 24 hours of the animal's death to make arrangements to have any fallen bovines over 48 months of age collected for the purposes of BSE testing.

The herd keeper will have to pay the collection and disposal costs for these animals.

To help farmers adjust to paying for the collection and disposal of these fallen bovines, the Department will pay £40 per bovine towards these costs until January 31, 2010.

This will be paid by administrative arrangement through the National Fallen Stock Scheme.

It remains an EU requirement to BSE test all cattle over 48 months of age, the Department will continue to pay the actual BSE testing costs.

All three local Rendering Plants will be approved as TSE Sampling Sites. This will give farmers widespread geographical coverage to have their animals collected and disposed of.

You can contact any of the following sites to arrange collection: Foyle Proteins - 028 7186 1120; Glenfarm Collection Services – 028 9445 1919; Linergy - 028 8775 0050

Fallen animals cannot be buried on farm. The Animal By-Products Regulations in 2003 banned the burial of fallen animals.

Farmers have a legal obligation to dispose of their animals at the end of their productive life in line with the Animal By-Products and TSE Regulations.