Restricted animal material and the ruminant feed ban

Eliza White, Agriculture Victoria

Livestock producers are being reminded of their obligations within the nationally regulated Ruminant Feed Ban (RFB), a program critical for protecting human and animal health and Australia’s valuable livestock export markets.

The intention of the ban is to prevent the spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease, and other transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). These diseases can be transmitted through the feeding of Restricted Animal Material (RAM) to ruminant animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and deer.

RAM is defined as any material taken from a vertebrate animal other than tallow, gelatine, milk products or treated oils. It includes rendered products, such as blood meal, meat and bone meals, fish meal, poultry meal, eggs, feather meal, and compounded feeds made from these products. Furthermore, some fertiliser and compost products can include poultry manure and abattoir waste products, which can contain RAM and must be used considerately to prevent livestock access.

While manure products can provide a valuable and cost-effective source of nutrients and organic matter, raw manure can contain a wide range of viruses, parasites and bacteria. Composted products are preferable and adhering to a minimum 21 day livestock withholding period helps to mitigate risk. If pasture regrowth is slow or manure is still viable on pasture a longer period may be required.

It is illegal to feed materials containing RAM to ruminants (including cattle, sheep, goats, deer, alpacas and llamas) or to allow them access to piles of manure. When purchasing stockfeed, producers are encouraged to carefully read product labels. Look for the statements ‘This product contains Restricted Animal Material – DO NOT FEED TO CATTLE, SHEEP, GOATS, DEER OR OTHER RUMINANTS.’ And ‘This product does not contain Restricted Animal Material.’ Use these statements to inform purchasing decisions and prevent livestock from accessing manure or fertiliser piles.

Livestock found to have consumed RAM may be assigned a lifetime status restricting their eligibility to enter the food chain.

Further information

Visit Ruminant feed ban to learn more.