Deer TB Scare on Exmoor
Report by Vic Gardner for The Countryman's Weekly
4th May 2001

Following the slaughter by the National Trust of 72 red deer after two hinds tested positive for bovine TB at Charlcote park in the Milands, fears have been expressed for red deer on a League Aainst Cruel Sports sanctuary and elsewhere on Exmoor.

The LACS has rigorously defended its position with regard to the health of deer on its sanctuary and independent inspections have revealed no cause for concern. But Mr Edmund Marriage, of the pro-hunt animal welfare organisation British Wildlife Management, believes that by feeding and harbouring deer in numbers at its Baronsdown property, the League may be unwittingly spreading the disease and could itself have to take similar action to the National Trust. He said: "The Exe Valley has been a centre for MAFF studies on TB in badgers. It has been reported that the specific strain of TB within these badgers has spread into the Midlands." It is understood that a sample from a deer from the vicinity, suspected of having TB, was first submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture for testing in April last year and a second sample in December. The first sample confirmed positive for TB, the result being received from MAFF on 21st February. However, threats of legal action by the LACS against the veterinary surgeon involved in the acquisition of the sample prevent Countryman's Weekly from publishing the circumstances.

Mr Marriage said he had asked chairman of the independent British Deer Society, Patrick Gordon-Duff-Pennington, to instigate an inquiry into the issues. The British Deer Society, which is in a no win sitation, being perceived in some quarters as an honest broker in mtters relating to deer on Exmoor, was expected to meet to discuss the matter on Saturday, (21 April). The veterinary surgeon's evidence had been presented to the British Deer Society's veterinary surgeon, Graham Godbeer, said Mr Marriage