'Disease is expensive' (From Gazette Series)

'Disease is expensive'

A FARMER whose dairy farm in Talbot's End, Cromhall, has been shut since the discovery of a TB reactor among his herd in November has called for more action against the disease.

This is the first case of the disease at Varley Farm since Eric Scolding took over 60 years ago and he said there is only one conclusion he can draw as to its origin.

"We had never had a TB reactor until last year - then four went down at the same time," he said.

Around a month later, Mr Scolding noticed a group of cows around the body of a dead badger. At the end of January another 13 cattle were found to have possibly have contracted the disease.

"The majority of these heifers had been nosing the dead badger - which leads us to draw only one conclusion," added Mr Scolding.

He said he believes more should be done to prevent the spread of the disease.

"I do not think the tests are as efficient as they could be," he added. "I do not want to see healthy badgers culled, but the disease is costing the country millions."

Farmers are paid compensation for every infected animal, with the average price of a dairy cow around £700 the total cost could be massive.

TB is also having a serious effect on business at the organic farm.

"We are shut-up so we can't move the cattle - unless it is to sell for slaughter," said Mr Scolding. "We have 20 calves in a shed, which we should have sold but can't do anything with until we get the all clear.

Mr Scolding said he could see no end in sight.

"Once it starts you don't know when it is going to finish. TB is not something that is going to go away quickly."

Mr Scolding's son, Tim, manages the farm. He echoed his father's belief that there is no easy solution to the problem.

"We are not anti-badgers," he said. "But something does need to be done about this. It is having a serious effect on the business and it seems to be getting worse and worse."