14/07/2009
The number of Bovine TB cases among alpaca herds in the UK is rising, with 14 herds under movement restrictions. Anna Hill reports on why farmers claim the test is not accurate.
While bovine TB is a huge problem in many cattle herds, people keeping alpacas say it is an increasing concern for them. There are 750 herds of alpaca in England, and currently 14 are known to be under movement restrictions. Four years ago only one herd of alpacas was affected by TB.
Unlike cattle farmers, owners of alpacas do not have to get their animals tested for the disease. But many argue the test will give flawed results as it is designed for cows.
Also, Anna Hill investigates warnings that, in the future, it could become harder to grow peas, oilseed rape and leafy vegetables because they are easily damaged by extreme weather.
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