As some of you may remember, after 50 years in the family, our farm had the sad misfortune to become TB infected. We honestly thought the badgers here were clear.
The elderly farmer who we rented the land to for many years lost most of his small herd. It was especially hard for him, as those cows were all from a closed herd - all bred by him. One was a grandmother to some of the young calves. Heavy in calf, he had to watch them taken away for slaughter.
Farmer was left with three cows, one being 20 years old. All tested negative, and he was hopeful it was behind him now. After all, the other TB cases were over 12 months ago. His cattle have to have regular tests, and the latest test showed two were TB infected. Farmer insisted one was not, it was just where the injection had gone, but no, it had to go, again in calf. And guess what? One did have it, but the second did not. He is most upset, and can you blame him? All he has left is the old cow. But, he has bounced back and says he will buy more stock in.
We were fortunate, as none of our animals were affected. But it could so easily have been the case. I will never keep cows again, it has really upset me, and I could not stand the worry. I worry enough about the goats, after all, the same badgers will be walking in the goat fields I am sure.
Topic: TB still haunts us (Read 2203 times)
