Not yet. It is
logical to assume that dormant TB is in the soil therefore it
doesn't matter how many badgers are culled this will always be a
major problem. Animals, including cattle, are constantly disturbing
the soil and tiny particles of soil containing dormant TB are
attached to the grass and bailed hay eaten by cattle, goats, deer
etc.. The TB becomes active after ingestion when it reaches body
temperature. Also, cattle and other animals susceptible to TB could
contract it through cuts. Sterilizing the soil is not possible, so
the best defence remains testing for TB, culling any infected animals
(cattle, badgers, deer, goats etc..), keeping the healthy ones
healthy by boosting their immune systems with supplements, and
hopefully in the future an effective vaccine may become available.
Maybe its an instinctive group preservation of herds in the wild to
prevent such diseases by casting out weak, injured and sick animals.
No comments:
Post a Comment