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Author Topic: TB in Highland Fold  (Read 3053 times)

GlebeFieldFarm

  • Joined Jul 2013
TB in Highland Fold
« on: August 17, 2013, 08:12:49 pm »
Is there anyway that a herd of Highlands close down with TB can be moved?

I know of a lovely herd with all the colours; dun, blonde, brindle, black and red that the owners are thinking of sending them all to slaughter as they are selling their estate and new owners don't want them, the bull, calves the lot. Apparently they can't wait another 120days to re test the whole fold is clear bar one cow.

I don't want a massive debate about their choice, I'm finding it very upsetting I just wondered if their were any loop holes! Long shot I know. :(

mowhaugh

  • Joined Jul 2013
  • Scottish Borders
    • Facebook
Re: TB in Highland Fold
« Reply #1 on: August 17, 2013, 08:56:50 pm »
Would the new owners let you pay to graze them there until the test?

I am assuming this is in England, where I am not sure of the rules, but could you move them into an area where there is already TB present?  Good luck, it seems such a shame.  Hopefully someone will know the exact rules.

SallyintNorth

  • Joined Feb 2011
  • Cornwall
  • Rarely short of an opinion but I mean well
    • Trelay Cohousing Community
Re: TB in Highland Fold
« Reply #2 on: August 18, 2013, 04:43:59 am »
but could you move them into an area where there is already TB present? 

There is nowhere in England where there are TB-infected cattle, because they get slaughtered. 

In any case, they couldn't be moved anywhere until they have passed the standstill period and had clear tests afterwards.

What's the story on how the beast became infected in the first place? 

I feel for your friend and for the cattle, but I can also feel for any other farmers who could be put at risk by a well-intentioned but ill-advised attempt at saving them.

I have worded this gently, but please be in no doubt of the strength of my feeling on this. 
Don't listen to the money men - they know the price of everything and the value of nothing

Live in a cohousing community with small farm for our own use.  Dairy cows (rearing their own calves for beef), pigs, sheep for meat and fleece, ducks and hens for eggs, veg and fruit growing

GlebeFieldFarm

  • Joined Jul 2013
Re: TB in Highland Fold
« Reply #3 on: August 18, 2013, 08:44:31 am »
I know all positive tested cattle go for slaughter and have no problem with this. its the fact that the owners won't dely sale to retest the others to try and go clear.

The cattle would never be moved if there was any chance of effecting someone elses herd/livelihood as we all know too well the implications of being in TB breakdown.

How they got it well they're on an 1500 acre estate with no neighbouring cattle farms and they never leave the estate unless its for slaughter so imagine a small furry or the deer are to blame as they were clear tested when housed for the winter.

mowhaugh

  • Joined Jul 2013
  • Scottish Borders
    • Facebook
Re: TB in Highland Fold
« Reply #4 on: August 18, 2013, 09:23:48 am »
Sorry, I worded my reply badly, I meant to an area where there had been reactors.  And I am not for a minute saying that would be the right thing to do, just wasn't sure whether that would legally be allowed.

I really hope you can find a way of persuading the estate owners (old or new) to allow the cattle to stay put until the retest.

shygirl

  • Joined May 2013
Re: TB in Highland Fold
« Reply #5 on: August 18, 2013, 10:20:59 am »
if a breeder decides to slaughter his herd due to tb or lack of land then thats his decision and no-one elses. its not a decision taken lightly and may be the last straw in some unknown circumstances.
highlands arent a rare breed and can often be aggressive. they need specialist equipment, ie crushes that are wide enough and often restricted in which abbatoirs they can go to cos of their horn size.
it sounds like a big herd, im guessing they would be a 800 pounds each meat price so thats a big investment for someone wanting to buy a big tb suspect herd.
it sounds like you are wanting to rescue them for free?

SallyintNorth

  • Joined Feb 2011
  • Cornwall
  • Rarely short of an opinion but I mean well
    • Trelay Cohousing Community
Re: TB in Highland Fold
« Reply #6 on: August 18, 2013, 12:30:10 pm »
Here's the thing.

If there's been a reactor in a herd, then it has been culled and the herd is on standstill until it every animal has had two clear tests.  This is in case they are incubating the disease.

So even if it were legal to move the remaining herd to another spot, you risk taking the disease, currently incubating in its early stages and undetectable, to the new spot.

That's why it isn't legal.

It's really tough for your friends, but I am afraid there is nothing that can be done except wait out the standstill period and hope for two clear tests.  If the landlord won't wait, then it's doubly hard but I am afraid equally unavoidable.
Don't listen to the money men - they know the price of everything and the value of nothing

Live in a cohousing community with small farm for our own use.  Dairy cows (rearing their own calves for beef), pigs, sheep for meat and fleece, ducks and hens for eggs, veg and fruit growing

 

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