What could be the impact of relay antennas and electrical works on the health of breeding cows? The Ministry of Agriculture is initiating a survey of breeders to explore the issue, but this decision is divisive.
The electrosensitivity of cows to this type of structure is once again increasing with the opening of this investigation. Although the initiative aims to assess the possible harmful effects on animals, not all farmers welcome it with open arms. While some consider it a rather welcome idea, others are much more reserved.
Ongoing concerns
This happened at the end of 2021. A breeder located in Haute-Loire, Frédéric Sagères, accuses a 4G antenna placed near his herd of killing his cows slowly. He had indeed noticed a reduced milk production and a general weakening of his forty animals. For the moment, no solid scientific evidence has made the link between the presence of these antennae and potential health problems within the herds. Despite this, the concern has not diminished among some breeders, who observe harmful consequences in their animals. Doubts remain all the same among certain doctors concerning the potential harmful effects of these waves on human beings.
In response to these growing concerns, the Ministry of Agriculture asked the General Council for Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas (CGAAER) to carry out the investigation. This consists of a questionnaire sent to breeders, which they can complete anonymously. The objective is to collect as many testimonies as possible in order to analyze them and try to establish links between the electrical installations and the problems observed on the farms.
Expectations and reluctance
For Frédéric Slgagues, this incentive is clearly insufficient, if not completely misplaced. ” It’s bullshit. We do not allow studies and expertise to be carried out when there is a problem, but we are sent a questionnaire he says. For him, the approach is ineffective, and he judges that it only hides the heart of the problem. He notes bitterly that the government does not get wet to propose a real solution. Solution that would mainly result in financial compensation to offset the losses suffered.
On the side of the Departmental Federation of Farmers’ Unions (FDSEA) of Haute-Loire, the finding is a little more measured. Anne Rogues, the director of this branch of the Federation, judges for her part that the investigation is ” good news “, but remains cautious about its real practical scope. These problems related to electromagnetic waves are not new and have been discussed for some time in the department. What she points out is the complexity of the debate: farmers face economic players much more powerful than them. She also regrets that this investigation was initiated late. Many requests went unanswered by the competent authorities for months.
This questionnaire will remain available until August 31 to all breeders who have a farm located less than 2 kilometers from electrical installations or relay antennas. As long as a real study has not looked into the long-term effects of electromagnetic waves on farm animals, the debate will remain unbalanced. The results of this survey are for the moment very uncertain, and the breeders concerned expect much more than a simple questionnaire. And meanwhile, 4G antennas are being sent into space!
Source : France 3 Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
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