For those farmers that suffer continual breakdowns but where bTB is not confirmed, the stress can be intolerable and persistent over months and even years. One such dairy farm, run by a couple and their son, has suffered breakdowns regularly over the last few years. None of these breakdowns have been confirmed and each incident has only involved the odd reactor or inconclusive reactor. Most of the cattle are Friesians. Bovine TB has not been confirmed and each time there have been no signs of lesions on slaughter and the tissue culture has been negative (liver fluke has been evident in the slaughtered animals). However, despite the fact that bTB has never been confirmed, the existing programme insists on movement restrictions that have caused ongoing financial problems for the business and severe and persistent stress for the families involved. Additional housing has had to be found for cattle and calves as these were not able to be moved or sold and additional feed has been required. More labour has been needed to accommodate the time consuming testing process.

The herd has had to undergo frequent testing and each time this takes up significant time with the associated stress for the cattle and disruption of the milking system. The stress is such that the day after each test the milk yield is claimed to be reduced.

Whilst compensation is paid for each cow slaughtered under the programme, this has been at the lower end of the scale and it has been found that when replacements are bought the price is higher as a result of a shortage of animals. It has also been necessary to rent additional land and buildings in order to keep the calves and young stock which could not be moved because of the movement restrictions in place. Extra feed has been needed too. More labour has been needed. This has added to the costs.

Whilst the last two tests have been clear and the movement restrictions lifted the testing interval is six monthly. The family are dreading the next test as they never know when an inconclusive may show up again and with it all the same old problems. It is a continual source of strain and worry for the whole family who have not only suffered financially but have also had to endure health problems, with one member suffering bouts of severe and prolonged depression.