Jeremy Clarkson announced on social media that Diddly Squat Farm, near Chadlington in Oxfordshire, has tested positive for bovine tuberculosis. The discovery came via a pregnant cow and has left his team “absolutely devastated”.
Infected Cattle and Quarantine
The infected cow, expecting twins, is in isolation. Another prized bull, named Endgame, returned an inconclusive test. UK regulations require animals that fail or have repeated inconclusive tests, classified as “reactors”, to be isolated or culled, which in this case means at least three cows will likely be lost. The farm is under a two‑month lockdown on livestock movement while further testing is carried out.
Health Impact and Farm Operations
Bovine TB, caused by Mycobacterium bovis, is primarily a respiratory disease in cattle, less commonly affecting humans. Clarkson emphasised that the risk to people is very low and that the farm shop remains open to visitors despite the outbreak.
Regional Context and Farmer Reaction
Oxfordshire is designated as an “edge area” for TB, with farms here routinely tested every six months. Recent cases nearby have heightened vigilance in the region. Clarkson described the outbreak as “bloody awful” and admitted he’s “not enjoying farming this week”. He also criticised what he sees as flawed government approaches to controlling TB, including opposition to badger culling and commenting on policies affecting farmers.
Local Mapping & Disease Trends
According to the ibTB platform, several TB incidents have been reported nearby, underscoring the prevalence and serious economic threat of bovine TB in this edge-region for farmer communities.
