Letters: Hi-tech fallout?

Andrew Arbuckle's article on Bleeding Calf Syndrome (Farming, 30 April) caught my eye as the symptoms of this emerging disease are linked to the destruction of the animal's immune system.

I understand the first case in Scotland was found in April 2009 and there have been a number of cases in Europe since 2007.

The use of certain vaccines has come under the spotlight, despite there being no clear evidence that this may be the cause. Both beef and dairy cattle are affected so perhaps some attention should be paid to the possibility that environmental factors could be playing a major role.

Fife and Tayside, where the growth in microwave and satellite communication links, for civil as well as military use, has been unrelenting in its spread across the countryside in recent years are apparently hot-spots for this emerging disease. Perhaps it is time for real consideration to be given to the possibility that the cumulative effects of this new technology could be having unforeseen adverse effects.

All forms of life are naturally conductive. Cattle with their specialised digestive systems requiring copious quantities of saliva may be particularly conductive. This would make calves vulnerable to electric magnetic induction (the battery effect) both within the womb and in their early weeks of life when their stomachs are still growing and their diet liquid.

MARION LANG

Coaltown of Callange

Ceres, Cupar, Fife