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Dispute arises over Geronimo post-mortem results
Geronimo was euthanised on Tuesday 31 August following a lengthy legal battle to save him.
Supporters of the alpaca dispute Government examination findings.

A dispute has arisen over the results of a post-mortem examination carried out on Geronimo the alpaca, who was put down following a four-year legal battle over two positive bovine tuberculosis (TB) tests.

On Wednesday (8 September), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) confirmed that several TB-like lesions had been found in Geronimo that are now undergoing further investigation. They added that the full post-mortem results would be completed by the end of the year. 

Defra officials and Police officers removed eight-year-old Geronimo from his home at in South Gloucestershire on Tuesday 31 August, and later confirmed that the animal had been euthanised. 

Following Geronimo's death, owner Helen Macdonald RVN, requested a copy of the post-mortem examination. Lawyer’s acting for Ms Macdonald confirmed she had received a letter containing the preliminary findings, which had been reviewed by veterinary surgeons. 

A statement issued by the lawyers reads: “As reviewed by Dr Iain McGill and Dr Bob Broadbent, the preliminary gross post-mortem findings are negative for visible lesions typical of bovine tuberculosis.

“For clarity, there are no white or cream caseous, enlarged abscesses typical for bTB in alpacas whether in the lungs, bronchial, mediastinal or retropharyngeal lymph nodes.

"She has further requested that both fresh, frozen and formalin-fixed tissue and fluid samples be preserved and provided to an independent expert to carry out further tests."

In contradiction to this letter, chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss, said: “We have completed the initial post-mortem examination of Geronimo. A number of TB-like lesions were found and in line with standard practice, these are now undergoing further investigation.

“These tests include the developing of bacteriological cultures from tissue samples which usually takes several months - we would expect to complete the full post-mortem and culture process by the end of the year.”

Geronimo was brought over to the UK from New Zealand in 2017 and tested positive for TB shortly after. Since then, Ms Macdonald has spent tens of thousands of pounds in legal fees trying to save him.

The Government applied for a court order for Geronimo's destruction in 2018, after which the alpaca was given a stay of execution, with a deadline of the end of August.

Ms Macdonald launched a judicial review claiming that Government experts relied on "flawed science" and that her animal was healthy. The move marked the start of a long series of legal battles.

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Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."