The silent toll of bovine TB

Farm vets are at the forefront of bovine TB (bTB) control and eradication. For many of us, testing cattle is a regular part of the job, but with testing come the ups and downs of having to inform farmers of the results.

Whole herd bTB tests make up a significant amount of my work as a young vet in clinical practice. My practice sits within the Edge Area, with most of my clients’ herds tested annually. With local breakdowns becoming more frequent, we also have many farms completing radial tests. Some counties that we cover are also tested bi-annually. I have been testing for five years since graduating as a vet in 2015 and have always taken the responsibility seriously. Days when I find reactors within a herd can be some of my hardest days.

Emotional impact

The variety of emotions that come after a negative result can be wide-ranging and I think I have seen them all. The emotional aspect of informing farmers of negative results has had a bigger impact on me recently. This is despite most clients believing that it’s likely that it’s only a matter of time when, and not if, they find a reactor in their herd.

Recently, when radial testing in one area, I had to walk off several farms and take a moment to compose myself.

One farm has a lovely Highland fold. I have been completing their herd test for several years. This year I found a reactor. The farmer had taken every possible step to reduce the risk of bTB and was one of the first farms to have a TB Advisory Service (TBAS) consultation, completing all the necessary action points. Despite this, there was a significant reactor, which was found to have a lot of internal lesions. I personally know this herd; by having conducted several radial bTB tests, I got to know each cow nearly as much as the farmer did. Telling the farmer that one must be slaughtered was awful and I had to really turn up the radio to push through the devastation.

The news is in some ways more difficult to convey in areas where bTB is less prevalent, as it often comes as a greater shock to the farmer. The impact, of course, is the same regardless. 

Not long after, in a similar location, I had to shut another herd down. This closed herd was formed six years ago and, because of its location, required bi-annual testing. The herd was hoping to move to annual testing following this latest test. However, the second-to-last cow through the crush was a reactor. The silence on the farm became palpable as the realisation that one of their small number was going to be slaughtered slowly sunk in. Talking through what happens next, I felt like I had to guard my own emotions and remain professional while inside I felt just as sucker punched as they did. The small herd helped the farmer to stay self-sufficient, so they really are part of their family.

Positive relationship with farmers

As these examples show, there can be some huge lows in this job. In a moment, people’s aspirations for their herd’s future are shattered. The financial and emotional impact can be huge.

However, the highs make every down day worth the heartache ten-fold. I have some farms where I don’t stop laughing from wellies on to wellies off! I feel like we blend well as a farmer-and-vet team, and like all the best relationships we switch between who is the boss and the assistant. These visits pull me through the bad days and their faith and confidence in my abilities really help me see the beautiful view through the fog. I can be myself on farm and show my vulnerabilities or silly superstitions. One of these superstitions involves me not eating a chocolate biscuit on a particular fam until I have completed a clear test. This all stems from eating one on my first bTB test on their farm and then finding a reactor.

The trust and belief these farmers have in me is the most rewarding part of my job and they help me understand it is not my fault; I’m just the messenger. But by having such strong bonds with my clients, it enables me to be honest so together we can combat the emotional implications of such a demoralising disease.