A devastating outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) has forced a family-run llama farm in Newent, Forest of Dean, to cull seven llamas and isolate 27 others, leaving the owner heartbroken and the business shuttered for the majority of 2026. Lisa Fox, owner of Briery Hill Llamas, revealed the emotional and financial toll after losing eight animals—including a beloved llama named Stardust—to the disease within a single week.
The outbreak began when Stardust fell ill and died, with post-mortem tests confirming TB. Immediate herd-wide testing by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) revealed seven additional llamas infected with TB, prompting their culling to protect the rest of the herd. The remaining 27 llamas, though currently testing negative, remain under strict isolation. Further testing scheduled through July and into next year will determine their status, with the threat of additional culling looming.
Lisa described the crushing impact of the outbreak on her family and business: “We are devastated after losing eight llamas to TB. These animals are family, not property. The loss is heartbreaking, affecting not only our livelihood but our mental health. We have no government support, and our business is effectively closed for nearly the entire year ahead.”
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The farm’s primary income stems from llama-related experiences—such as trekking, therapy sessions, and visitor events—all now suspended due to the mandatory TB restrictions requiring a three-meter distance from the animals. The veterinary bill for Stardust alone neared £15,000, and while the government compensates for culled animals, Lisa notes that these payments do not cover veterinary costs or the broader financial and emotional burdens.
To mitigate further spread, the family invested in installing electric fencing, even borrowing money from relatives. Despite these efforts, uncertainty remains as they await definitive test results that could keep the business on hold indefinitely.
Lisa is calling for improved testing protocols and increased government assistance, emphasizing the need for more frequent testing intervals to accelerate clearance. “The current 90-day wait for test repetition is not practical. We hope for change so families like ours don’t suffer as we have.”
Highlighting the joy each animal brought to visitors and the family, Lisa shared, “Stardust, The Pocket Rocket, Merlin, Rossi, Dylan, Troy, Querrida, and Baloo gave so much happiness. It’s devastating to lose them and all our income during this crisis, especially with no financial aid.”
To help cover ongoing expenses for feeding and veterinary care, Lisa has set up a GoFundMe page and has already received support exceeding £6,500 from the community.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) stresses that rapid removal of TB-infected animals is critical to control the disease and protect surrounding livestock. They also confirm compensation for culled animals and encourage voluntary testing and advisory support for llama and alpaca owners to reduce infection risks.
A Defra spokesperson said, “We understand how difficult these situations are and extend our sympathies to those affected by bovine tuberculosis. The measures in place are vital to preventing the spread and protecting rural communities.”
For Lisa and the Briery Hill Llamas family, the path to recovery remains long and uncertain, underscoring the profound impact of bTB outbreaks on small rural businesses.