FARMERS in the region can now benefit from free carcass collection services where disease is suspected and a veterinarian has recommended a post mortem examination.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has signed a new contract with Meraxian Limited who will provide a free carcass collection service for farmers who wish to use post mortem examination services at APHA’s Thirsk Veterinary Investigation Centre (VIC).

APHA works with vets and farmers to investigate and diagnose livestock and poultry disease across Great Britain. It offers a state-of-the-art post mortem examination and sample testing service to detect disease in all farmed animals and wildlife.

APHA has recently extended its ‘free-to-farmer’ carcass collection service across England, but until now, it did not apply to farmers located more than an hour’s drive south of Thirsk VIC due to a lack of provider. To the north of Thirsk, the free carcass collection service has been available for some time.

The free carcass collection service is for use when a farmer’s veterinarian has agreed with APHA that a post mortem examination is required for diagnosis of disease – it is not provided for the purposes of general carcass disposal.

Visit www.gov.uk/government/organisations/animal-and-plant-health-agency/about/access-and-opening for post mortem providers.