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TB testing
As you are all aware, the TB situation
in large areas of the country is becoming very serious. Although
wildlife (especially badgers) has a role to play in the spread and
lack of control of TB, movement of infected cattle is by far the
most common cause of new infections in herds.
I'm not against culling badgers in infected areas but if it is to
be done, it can't be done half heartedly. Trials have shown partial
culls just increase the number of new infections as disturbed badgers
move further a field.
Before Foot and Mouth Disease, Cumbria was free of TB but now parts
of it are TB hot spots. This wasn't caused by badgers being airdropped
in from the Southwest or our local badgers suddenly developing TB.
In fact, to my knowledge, an infected badger hasn't been found in
Cumbria up to now. No, the disease came here because farmers bought
infected cattle. It is no coincidence that the Kendal area, which
was not infected with FMD, does not have TB!
At least 5 years after veterinary associations advised pre movement
testing, the government has brought it in. These tests have to be
paid for by the farmer and are valid for 60 days after the test.
We are charging for this testing on a time basis.
The good news for most of our clients is that they don't need to
do it. Only premises and parishes that have to test annually or
biannually (i.e. at high risk) have to have pre movement tests.
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