I have checked out the story about anthrax (see related posting) and the
farm concerned tells me it was a mis-diagnosis by a young vet.
I am told that when a cow died at the Odessa Farm, near Tewkesbury in
Gloucestershire three weeks ago the vet was concerned that the symptoms
could have indicated anthrax, a disease used in biological warfare. The
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAFF) were called in, the
farm was closed, and an investigation began over four days.
However, a spokeswoman at the farm I spoke to today said that the ministry
decided that the condition was not anthrax. She said they have no idea
what the cow died of..."just natural causes", she added.
We will continue to watch the situation and make further inquiries as
appropriate.
David