Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis (Jan 2009)

Expenses connected with disposing of animals with bovine spongiform encephalopathy in selected rendering plant in the Czech Republic

  • Richard Pospíšil

DOI
https://doi.org/10.11118/actaun200957030133
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 57, no. 3
pp. 133 – 140

Abstract

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The first case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the Czech Republic appeared in 2001 and since that a total of 28 infected cows have been detected. Two outbreaks of BSE in 2007 and no di­sea­sed animal in 2008 confirms that, in the Czech Republic, the disease incidence has a decreasing trend, which is in an agreement with the situation in other EU countries. According to the Veterinary Act No. 166/1999, farmers with BSE disease are indemnified from the state budget. The state, therefore, significantly contributes to the prevention and mitigation of BSE and ensures epidemiologic health in our country. Between the outbreak in 2001 and 2008, a total of 1 311 473 cows were exa­mi­ned and, based on the finding of 28 BSE-positive animals, 4 022 cows were subsequently slaughtered. BSE examination, killing and decontamination costs amounted to 18.9 million CZK, compensation costs for killed animals reached almost 163.9 million CZK and compensation for unaccomplished production accounted for over 13.6 million CZK. Together with other additional costs, the total financial compensations paid out during the period of BSE presence were almost 198 million CZK. A se­pa­ra­te budget is proportioned to subsequent safe disposing of carcasses in rendering plants. The rendering plant “Asanace, spol. s r. o., Zichlinek“ was appointed by the State Veterinary Administration to perform the disposal of carcasses. Since the beginning of 2003 to 2008, 22 cases of BSE were reported and 3 572 cows were killed and destroyed there, what represents 2 221 tons of material . The cost of processing of 1 kg of waste material ranged from 3.50 CZK to 6.50 CZK, total costs reached 9.315 thousand CZK. The final product – meat and bone meal – was incinerated in a cement factories at a cost of 1 CZK per 1 kg between years 2003–2006, now it is free of charge. This study does not include costs of disposal of Specific Risk Material, because it is covered by slaughter houses, that are the source of this material.

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