Sensemaker How bovine TB shut down Clarkson’s farm
Aug 15, 2025
A recent outbreak of bovine tuberculosis disrupted farming on a well-known UK farm, revealing serious challenges for local farmers. The emotional and financial toll of the disease is immense, as personal stories highlight its impact on cattle and livelihoods. Discussing the controversial practice of culling badgers, the conversation shifts towards more effective solutions like testing and vaccination. The call for sustainable strategies in managing this persistent issue underscores the urgency for both farmers and the agricultural community.
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Clarkson’s Farm Tests Positive
- Jeremy Clarkson's farm, Diddly Squat, tested positive and must stop buying or selling cattle for at least two months.
- Clarkson described the result as "awful" and said the lockdown felt dreadful.
How Bovine TB Harms Cattle And Farmers
- Bovine TB spreads mainly via the respiratory tract causing lung damage and reduced breathing in cattle.
- The disease is silent yet traumatic, forcing farmers to cull emotionally attached animals and disrupting livelihoods.
Geography Shapes TB Risk
- TB risk varies regionally: low-risk areas down the east coast and Scotland is TB-free.
- High-risk areas include South West England and West Midlands where the disease is embedded in cattle populations.