Taking silage off land with badgers

148multi

Are there any dangers of spreading tb by taking silage off ground with badgers on it.

dmakc

I asked the relevant department on this before and this was the answer:

"M.Bovis can be cultured from ensiled silage up to 28 days after being ensiled. The duration of viability in this particular study seemed to be highly dependent on the ph level of the silage. It also indicates that correct ensiling is very important. This would suggest that after four weeks properly ensiled silage poses a very low risk of spreading M.Bovis. However,  silage can become contaminated by wildlife after the wrap has been removed or after a pit has been opened. This contaminated feed can then pose a risk of spreading M.Bovis. Badgers can be attracted to open pits and feed passages, particularly those containing whole crops or maize silage. So it is advisable to reduce badger access to open pits and to also feed silage, bailed or pit, in badger proofed troughs"

Zero grazing on the other hand increases the risk

148multi

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123367944#Comment_123367944

Thanks,

Say my name

Six weeks I was told you'd want it to be sure before feeding.