Slurry gas warning after unusual cattle deaths



The recent death of four cattle from toxic gas produced by a slurry store has caused the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) to issue a warning to farmers. A similar incident is believed to have occurred in Westmeath in recent weeks.

Taking advantage of the recent dry spell to begin emptying some slurry stored under the slatted floors of his sheds. After removing a number of loads he returned to find four dead animals. In Westmeath it is believed it was the following day when the discovery was made.


In the Scottish incident they had been suffocated by hydrogen sulphide gas. The smell of rotton eggs is a good indicator of the presence of this invisible gas and mixing and handling slurry releases the deadly gas making it particularly dangerous in confined areas.

The risk may be increased from adding silage effluent to slurry as the nutrients from the effluent feed the bacteria in the slurry producing dangerous levles of hydrogen sulphide gas.



SAC has warned farmers who are using waste plaster board, or other gypsum sources to remember that run off from this can have a similar effect as sileage effluent particulary in wet weather , potential contamination of slurry supplies.

SAC reminds farmers that when emptying slurry stores, there are several key safety points:

* Before starting, take all animals out of the building and open all ventilation, doors, etc.

* Never enter the building when the pump mixing the slurry or emptying the store is working.

* Ensure there is always another person present who stays outside the shed and can summon help, if needed, but without entering the building and endangering themselves.

* If entry is necessary, only appropriately supervised, competent persons, equipped with harness, lifeline and breathing apparatus, should enter slurry storage cellars.