A FARMER who has spent almost 50 years farming cattle has spoken of his frustration after losing another eight cows to bovine TB.

John Hammonds, of Pewcroft Farm in Knightwick, lost a third of his herd in May due to an outbreak of the infectious disease – and his latest losses have left him considering giving up.

The 66-year-old said: “Where we go from here I just don’t know.

“It is a real frustration - it’s like death by a thousand cuts.

“There will be another test in 60 days time and the chances are more will be positive.

“We are diminishing in numbers all the time and I can’t add any new cattle as there would be a risk of bringing in other diseases to the herd.

“We are in a really sticky situation.

“I do get compensation for the cattle lost but this doesn’t take into account their future value and being able to breed replacements.”

He added that his losses in May were the “real kick in the teeth” and a total “shock” but this time around he expected some of his cattle to test positive.