Attingham's deer herd and eliminating the bTB infection

Your questions answered

• Is the deer herd at Attingham free of bTB now?

  We are working closely with the Government’s Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA), specialist vets and National Trust deer experts to monitor the health of the deer but it is too early to confirm the herd is bTB-free.

• Is it safe to bring dogs to Attingham Park?

  Yes, we have been advised it is safe to continue to allow visitors, staff, volunteers and their dogs to visit the Deer Park. As always, dogs need to be on a lead when in the Deer Park.

• Can I catch bTB while visiting the parkland?

  We are taking every measure and following government advice from the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) to manage the spread of bovine TB. Bovine TB is a zoonotic disease which means it can transfer across species including humans, although the risk is extremely low in the UK. The risk of contracting bTB at Attingham is no greater than the surrounding countryside.

• What steps have you taken so far?

  We are working closely with the Government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency and Defra to look after the health of the herd. As a first step, we made the difficult decision to reduce the herd size to better manage the disease and limit the risk of spread between animals.  As part of the annual cull last winter we humanely removed more of the herd than previous years.

  During 2023 the annual cull will take place again, we continue to monitor the health of the deer but it is too early to confirm if the herd is bTB free.

• Why do you carry out an annual cull?

  Without any natural predators, like wolves, culling is essential to maintain a healthy herd size. The British Deer Society fully endorse humane culling as part of herd management.

• Why have you had to do this?

  The law requires us to eradicate bTB in our deer herd. The health and welfare of the deer has always been our top priority.  After exhausting all options we had no other alternative but to cull more of the deer to reduce further disease spread and look after the long-term health and welfare of the deer herd.

• Can I still visit the Deer Park?

  The annual cull will begin in autumn. On occasion, for visitor safety and the welfare of the herd, the Deer Park will be closed to visitors at times. For more information please speak to the Visitor Reception team on arrival.