Geronimo (alpaca)

Geronimo (alpaca)

Geronimo was an alpaca that gained significant media attention in the United Kingdom in 2021. The case of Geronimo highlighted issues related to bovine tuberculosis (bTB) testing and animal welfare.

Background

Geronimo was an alpaca imported from New Zealand to the United Kingdom in 2017. Upon arrival, Geronimo tested positive for bovine tuberculosis using the ELISA test. The positive test result led to a legal and public dispute over the accuracy of the test and the subsequent decision to euthanize the animal.

Bovine Tuberculosis Testing

Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis. It primarily affects cattle but can also infect other animals, including alpacas. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in the UK mandates testing for bTB to control its spread. Geronimo's positive test result was contested by his owner, who argued that the test was inaccurate and that Geronimo was healthy.

Public and Legal Dispute

The case garnered widespread media coverage and public interest. Animal rights activists and members of the public rallied in support of Geronimo, calling for a reprieve from euthanasia. The case also sparked debates over the reliability of bTB testing methods and the ethical considerations of animal culling.

Geronimo's owner pursued legal action to prevent the euthanasia, arguing that the testing methods were flawed and that further testing should be conducted. Despite these efforts, the courts ruled in favor of DEFRA, and Geronimo was euthanized in August 2021.

Impact and Legacy

The Geronimo case brought attention to the challenges and controversies surrounding bTB testing and animal welfare policies. It also highlighted the emotional and ethical dimensions of disease control in animals. The case has led to calls for a review of bTB testing protocols and greater transparency in decision-making processes related to animal health.

See Also

• Bovine tuberculosis
• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
• Animal welfare
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay