\n Three goats have died and others have fallen ill at Oasis City Farm, where staff suspect a virus could be to blame.\n<\/p>\n
\n The nature of the illness remains unclear, though there are suspicions that it could be bluetongue, which is seriously affecting farms across the country.\n<\/p>\n
\n While blood test results are still pending, the farm has vaccinated animals where appropriate and is providing boosters, medication, and supplements as a precaution.\n<\/p>\n
\n A spokesman said: “Sadly, we have lost three of our goats, Delilah, Beatrice and Bambi, both of whom are suspected to have been affected by the same virus.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Beatrice was one of the farm\u2019s oldest residents at 12 years old.\n<\/p>\n
\n Tom Kitcher, farm manager, said: “Our volunteers put their heart and soul into caring for our animals when they are sick, they are here day and night feeding them and giving them medicine.\n<\/p>\n
\n “When an unknown virus is affecting the animals is does have an impact, especially when trying to run as normal .\n<\/p>\n
\n “It\u2019s been hard on us all, the farm team are heartbroken.”\n<\/p>\n
\n He also highlighted the financial impact of the outbreak.\n<\/p>\n
\n He said: “It\u2019s really tough, luckily we have managed to fundraise recently through open days and ongoing support.\n<\/p>\n
\n “It\u2019s a little bit of a worry as a charity, it\u2019s a large expense all at once, so we\u2019re just trying to make sure we have enough money to directly impact the animals.”\n<\/p>\n
\n He added that the farm is still open and operating as normal as it is not a virus that impacts humans, and that all the impacted animals are being isolated.\n<\/p>\n
\n Three of the goats, Guinevere, Odin and Thor, showed signs of illness, but are said to be recovering.\n<\/p>\n
\n The farm confirmed that all animals have been vaccinated where appropriate, and are receiving booster jabs, medication, and supplements as a precaution.\n<\/p>\n
\n In recent months, veterinary bills alone have reached nearly \u00a35,000, excluding costs for extra staff, medicine, and biosecurity measures.\n<\/p>\n
\n The farm has also doubled spending on biosecurity to help prevent further spread.\n<\/p>\n