The beginning of the end ..........

Sylvia · Post by **Sylvia** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 4:42 pm

Well folks, those of you who followed us through our problems last year may like to know that, despite a clear test 6 months ago, this time we had one IR (at the bottom of the scale). We are now on standstill again for 60 days. I can send cattle to slaughter, under license, but cannot (and would not wish to) sell to anyone else. If I send the IR cow to slaughter I will have to get a special license and I will also have to have the whole herd re-tested in 60 days.

We are overstocked because of last year and the fact that once again I cannot sell stock means that I will have to send good cows to slaughter as soon as their calves are weaned to reduce my numbers. As soon as the calves are old enough they will have to go for whatever pitiful price the local abbatoir will pay.

I have what could be classed as a commercial herd (over 30 breeding cows) if only I could sell my youngstock or finished stock to other areas and sell a few good cows occasionally for half decent prices, but having my plans constantly b******d up by this wretched TB situation leads me to believe that I'd be better winding down this enterprise ASAP rather than stuggling from one crisis to another. I can think of no good reason to carry on with Dexters, however much I like them or indeed any other cattle.

Woodmagic · Post by **Woodmagic** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 5:49 pm

I am so sorry, have spent the last five minutes trying to come up with a more constructive message, but have drawn a blank. I always dread the test these days, it seems such a lottery. I do know that sometimes, when life seems to have dealt you a particularly bad hand, something comes round the corner and brightens life up when you least expect it, I can only hope it does for you.

Sylvia · Post by **Sylvia** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 6:38 pm

Thanks Beryl, it is interesting that you mention 'a lottery' because that is one of the major problems. I am absolutely NOt a gambler I've always believed you get somewhere by hard work and doing things 'right', not by buying a ticket and hoping for the 'big win'. But with the cows and TB it is possible to look after the cows, give them a lovely life of good food and proper care, in fact do everything you can for them and still it is not possible to keep them safe from these wretched tests. Before last year I looked on them as a formality but now all I can do is manage things, not as I want to, but as best I can.

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 7:34 pm

Hello Sylvia,

I am so sorry to hear that you are in trouble with TB tests again. Does your own vet take time to discuss the future with you or are they just in to do the test and away again? It is difficult for me to comment on individual situations especially when not in full possession of the facts. I would be looking at whether or not your herd actually shows real evidence TB or just positive tests, what the real situation is on the surrounding holdings etc, and it may be very complicated and difficult. I certainly would not be for encouraging you to give up all the effort you have put in without real good reasons for supposing that you ae likely to have continuing trouble.

One of my difficulties in expressing opinions on matters like this is that in my 33 yrs as a vet I have only really encountered one positive animal which showed visible signs of TB on slaughter and then tested positive. I have however seen many IRs and even positve tests which either tested negative on retest or if slaughtered showed not a sign of TB. I think the trouble with the intradermal test is that although it is not foolproof in practical terms it is the best we have to use on a wholesale scale. Blood tests have been closely looked at in the last few years and are used for clarification in some cases - your own vet may know more of what is being done in your area, ask.

At least know that we are thinking of you and hope some positve way out may become clear.

Duncan

Broomcroft · Post by **Broomcroft** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 7:48 pm

So sorry Sylvia. TB doesn't worry me a bit, but the test scares the living daylights out of me. It seems so random, unreliable and unfair.

happy hollidays · Post by **happy hollidays** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 10:44 pm

Sylvia, I am truly saddened at your news. What a nightmare for you, I am so sorry. I take hope in Duncan's news and wish that things turn around for you. I cannot believe that with the many hundreds of us out there, it is poor you again that is suffering. I am not a religious person by any means, but I will say a prayer for you. I bet you wish you could wake up and its all been a nasty dream. Wishing you the very best of luck, Estelle

Louisa Gidney · Post by **Louisa Gidney** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 7:38 am

All I can do is add my good wishes. It all sounds horribly reminiscent of 2001, living under a cloud that one cannot see or fight. Also the pitiful prices offered for stock that one had nearly bankrupted oneself to keep alive. At least 2001 was headline news, this TB is a more insidious "divide and conquer" plague.
I hope you won't mind if I cite your experience, with respect to having to slaughter good cows, for a section of my thesis countering the academics' rosy view of "improvement" with the practicalities of life on the ground.
I also echo the advice that "something will turn up", my father always said it & I found it very irritating but in fact as time wends by it does seem to be the case.

Sylvia · Post by **Sylvia** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 8:42 am

Thanks everyone.

forestblaze · Post by **forestblaze** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 11:23 am

Sylvia, our heart goes out to you,is there any way we ,as fellow Dexter people can help you through the next 60 days,Has your area field officer been in touch,Do you have the Farming Friends network in your area there are groups all over the country who will offer both practical and moral support,we know ,we could not have survived without their support after foot and mouth, Our best wishes Bill and Sue

Sylvia · Post by **Sylvia** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 7:50 am

Hello Bill and Sue

Thank you for your kind words and concern but please do not worry, I am what could probably be described as a 'tough old bird' and will get through this.

Martin · Post by **Martin** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 8:04 am

So so sorry Sylvia. As one that lives in a four yearly test area with no pockets of TB close by we look at the test as a formallity, and I consider myself very lucky. I can only guess as to your feelings and frustrations, we all wish you well at this unpleasant time and hope the light at the end of the tunnel gets brighter soon.
Martin.

Martin · Post by **Martin** » Wed Aug 08, 2007 8:57 am

Sylvia,
how are things with you? You must be due another test about now as the sixty days are now over. I do hope things go well and have my fingers crossed that all is clear.
Best wishes,
Martin.

Sylvia · Post by **Sylvia** » Wed Aug 08, 2007 10:38 am

Well, Martin, the test was organised for 60 days after the IR cow went for slaughter (no visible lesions) so it is arranged for August 28th. However the current situation means the half herd which are on our land on the other side of the lane cannot be moved back to the barn on this side unless the restrictions are removed before that date. It might just be possible to take the crush over there and set up a catch pen for them with gates but it probably isn't worth the hassle because if movement restrictions are still in place none of the herd can move even if the test comes back clear. There is a possibility that the restrictions will be lifted in Wales sooner rather than later, we will know more in a few days. Otherwise it is just a question of being patient and letting this trying time pass.

Inger · Post by **Inger** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 10:02 am

The dread you feel is thankfully no longer a part of our lives. In the area of NZ where we live, the has never been any Tb in the wildlife, so our 4 yearly Tb tests are just a formality. But I do remember what it was like when my family had a dairy farm in another part of NZ and each time the herd was tested, Dad hoped there weren't too many reactors.

The farmers used to gather together for a shoot on successive farms and do their best to wipe out all the opossums on that farm. The next week they will work on the next farm and so on. Its been a very sucessful method of getting rid of Tb. However, in some areas, mustelids also have to be trapped, as they are carriers too. Its not easy trying to get rid of Tb. Many areas took years and years to clear it off their farms. Its a shame you aren't allowed to wipe out the wild carriers of the desease in your country.

Sylvia · Post by **Sylvia** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 12:15 pm

Well, I've put the next TB test back to Sept. 10th. There doesn't seem much point in doing it until we get clearer info on the F & M situation.

What are mustelids, Inger, if they are cute and furry and occurred in Britain there would be one almighty uproar from our British 'animal lovers' who would be happy to see all the cattle (and the farmers) shot in preference.

You really would think that people attempting to feed the nation would be held in higher regard, but no, I doubt if half of them realise that the contents of packs they pick up at supermarkets have anything to do with farmers at all. Mind you a great deal of it doesn't have anything to do with British farmers come to think about it.