THE ONGOING problems of bovine tuberculosis were one of the talking points of this year’s County Show after one of its cattle breed sections pulled in no entries for the first time in many years.
Visitors with plans to see Jersey cattle were thwarted as TB testing issues kept the animals away from the show this year.
In previous years the Jersey classes have netted several rosettes for Staffordshire farmers.
A show spokesman said: “Normally we have a very strong showing so it is very disappointing.
"We have previously had breed champions from Staffordshire.”
Bovine TB and badger control as a means of fighting its spread were also up for discussion at the Country, Land and Business Association (CLA) marquee.
Caroline Bedell, CLA West Midlands director, said: “People have been talking about how soon we can get a managed cull.
“Sitting on the fence is not an option when it comes to the thorny issue of bovine TB, and as well as advising behind the scenes and following the best scientific advice, the CLA is firmly supportive of Government trial to manage the disease.”
NFU spokesman Oliver Cartwright stressed that the disease was considered the enemy, not badgers, and the organisation had been discussing the issue with wildlife trusts as part of their work to combat the devastating disease.
