Hunt puts down hounds hit by bovine TB

A HUNT was forced to put down a number of hounds after they became infected with bovine TB in what is only the second recorded case in dogs.

The Kimblewick Hunt, based in Buckinghamshire, said around 25 hounds had been put down after they were believed to have contracted the disease from “eating meat from a contaminated bovine”.

A spokesman for the hunt said the hounds were “routinely fed fallen stock” in compliance with animal byproducts legislation.

The Masters of Foxhounds Association said the hunt had “suspended” events to protect farmers. But a spokesman for the association said: “Bovine tuberculosis was suspected in hounds at the Kimblewick in December (and subsequently confirmed at the end of January).

“Defra [the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs] has not imposed any movement or other restrictions, as it does not consider that there is any increased risk to wildlife and farm stock.

“However, the hunt immediately suspended hunting in the interests of farmers and landowners and the wider hunting interest. There is only one recently recorded case of a dog with bovine TB in England, some four years ago.”

The Kimblewick Hunt was formed in 2002 by joining the Vale of Aylesbury with the Garth and South Berks hunts.

A spokesman said: “There are over 120 hounds remaining in kennels, which continue to be monitored closely, and testing is ongoing.

“Defra was notified immediately that bovine TB was suspected in December and the Kimblewick Hunt have subsequently acted upon all advice they have been given with regards to implementing increased biosecurity measures in order to ensure it is contained.”

The Government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency said: “The bacterium that causes bovine TB in cattle has been found in dogs at a kennel in Buckinghamshire. The origin and route of this infection is being investigated.”