Kelvin Fletcher has revealed that worms were a "real problem" on his family's Cheshire farm and proved fatal for some of their lambs, including their beloved pet Aga.
In a repeat episode of Fletcher's Family Farm, Kelvin and his wife Liz awaited test results to see whether their flock had an infection. They also said a bittersweet goodbye to their cherished alpacas to create space on the farm.
Vet called in after lamb loss
Following the death of Aga, the former soap star and Liz invited vet Angelica to the farm for a health examination of their flock. Kelvin expressed his concerns: "To try to prevent losing any lambs, vet Angelica will take the poo samples collected today for testing so we can treat any early signs of infection."
The vet explained that as sheep grow up they "build some kind of immunity," but lambs are naive to worms, which are everywhere at pasture, so they need good exposure when young.
Belt and braces approach
Sharing their previous loss, Kelvin said: "We're taking a belt and braces approach this year, as through the winter, worms were a real problem and proved to be fatal for a couple of our lambs, including our beloved Aga. Aga was an orphan lamb, whom we fell in love with, but later lost to a worm infection."
With all samples gathered, Angelica returned to the lab to test the sheep poo. Fortunately for the family, the results came back all clear. Kelvin told viewers: "Angelica has been back in touch with the good news that the worm count isn't dangerous, but as advised, we still treat them."
Earlier loss of cow Cherry
This is not the only setback the couple has faced on the farm. In another episode of the ITV series, Kelvin and Liz unexpectedly lost their beloved cow, Cherry.
Kelvin said in a previous episode: "As the sun fades on our evening rounds, Josh and I are confronted by a sign no farmer ever wants to see. Our much-loved cow Cherry is lying motionless on her side."
He added: "It's absolutely heartbreaking. I've no idea at all about what's caused it. I'm just surprised how shocking it is, to be honest, I'm just having a bit of shock."
The former soap star explained he had contacted vet Hugo so Cherry could be collected and a post-mortem could determine how she died. "Hugo will do his checks, and hopefully we'll get an answer then as to what's happened, but just absolutely heartbreaking. Completely just bewildering, and we think she was in calf again," he said.
"This is a lot to process. We are such a small herd, and Cherry was most definitely the matriarch. Losing her is a huge blow for us and her calf, Ezra. It's really upsetting. Absolutely gutted."
Fletcher's Family Farm is available to watch on ITVX.
