bbc.com
Dog Poo Disease Threatens Belfast Hills Cattle
Neospora, spread through dog feces, threatens cattle on the Belfast Hills, impacting farmers' livelihoods and the environment.
English
United Kingdom
HealthLifestyleEnvironmentFarmingDiseaseDogsCattle
Belfast Hills Partnership
Dr. Lizzy PinkertonAndrew MccammondMartin Cunningham
- What is the importance of the cattle on the Belfast Hills ecosystem?
- The cattle play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the Belfast Hills' ecosystem by managing vegetation and preventing large-scale fires that could harm biodiversity.
- What are the challenges that farmers in the Belfast Hills are facing?
- Farmers like Martin Cunningham, a fourth-generation farmer on Divis Mountain, face significant challenges due to Neospora, highlighting the intersection between animal health, environmental conservation, and the economic pressures faced by farmers.
- What are the economic and emotional impacts of this disease on farmers?
- The disease is devastating for farmers who rely on the cattle for income and environmental management, as it leads to significant financial and emotional losses.
- What is causing miscarriages and infertility in cows on the Belfast Hills?
- Neospora, a disease spread through dog feces, is causing miscarriages and infertility in pregnant cows grazing on the Belfast Hills.
- What is the advice given to dog walkers to prevent the spread of this disease?
- The Belfast Hills Partnership emphasizes the importance of responsible dog ownership, urging dog walkers to bag and bin their pets' feces to prevent the spread of Neospora.