Daisy's check up with the vet !

It was time just recently for Daisy and friends to have their health check done, with particular regard to tuberculosis  (TB).

This is always a slightly worrying time, for me that is! Daisy is oblivious to such things.

Our vet, Archie, has the job of measuring the thickness of the skin on each of our cows' necks, this is recorded and then each cow is injected with a fake TB solution at the same place on her neck . If the cow has ever been exposed to real TB her immune system will react and the injection site will swell. If her body doesn't recognise the fake TB jab there will be no reaction.

Archie then returns 2 days later to recheck each cows' skin thickness.

The whole thing is quite a lengthy process but I am delighted to say that all our cows passed with flying colours :) and we can now wait 4 years before our next test. Lincolnshire is historically TB free, hence the long period between testing. Farms in other counties which have recorded TB cases have to test every year or every 6 months in some parts.   

TB has been in the news a lot recently, with badgers being blamed for spreading the disease. This has led to a badger cull in some parts of the country which has caused a lot of anger amongst nature lovers.

Fortunately Lincolnshire remains TB free and so both badgers and cows can sleep easily at night... (err, well not badgers actually as they are nocturnal and sleep in the daytime  but you know what I mean ;) )  

So it gives me great pleasure to state that NO BADGERS WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF DAISY MADE ICECREAM. Perhaps I should make some 'badger friendly' stickers to put up!!  

Look forward to seeing you all soon.

Farmer Dave

P.S. Don't forget we are open all week during half term hols.