AIC Statement on Cattle Health Incident Under Investigation

The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) is aware of suspected fatal botulism cases in cattle on a small number of farms, which are potentially linked to product supplied by a feed business certified under the Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS) and the Feed Materials Assurance Scheme (FEMAS).

As media coverage emerges, a spokesperson from the AIC Feed Sector has confirmed that AIC has notified its Members and held discussions with stakeholders throughout the past week to address the situation.

All recipients of potentially contaminated feed have been contacted by their supplier. The business is working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that all potentially affected feed has been isolated and to help establish the root cause of the issue. At this stage, investigations are ongoing, and no definitive cause has been confirmed.

For background information on botulism in farmed ruminants, please refer to the guidance published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) here.

AIC will continue to keep Members informed and will share further updates as more information becomes available.