When I first started to scribble the story of our herd under TB restriction, it was June 2009 and we'd just had a second TB test read at severe interpretation and were going to lose another three good young cows.
These were 'inconclusive' on a standard reading, but became 'reactor' status on severe. As they had all calved around the time of the test, and as Defra were not prepared to take the calves as well, I kept the cows on until their offspring could be weaned.
Then we wormed and fluked every animal in August, which delayed their departure - at least for the food chain - until October.
They had no lesions at slaughter, so we were back onto 'standard' interpretation for the next round of testing and I had booked this for November.
But AH had other ideas, and having consulted it's testing bible, said no. It must be 60 days after the cattle had left. Even thought their departure had been delayed and even though their calves were still here.
So December 22nd., was the first available date. But as neither we, nor our vet fancied reading a TB test on Christmas day, it was delayed until last week.
The vet slid into the farm through a haze of fog and snow. And we towed him out over solid ice. But the result was a completely flat test. Not a lump to write down anywhere. Clear.
So, as I squeeze through stacked cattle in the mornings, manoeuvring around 5 working bulls (well three working, and two who'd like to) unless I've misinterpreted the Defra testing bible again, I'm awaiting the 'Get out Jail' card from our local Animal Health office which tells me I can trade again. For now.
A Happy New Year to us all.
