As 'Alpaca Angels' keep a watch on Geronimo, the alpaca in the middle of a bovine TB controversy, his owner's lawyers offer government a chance to "save face", writes Rod Minchin of the Press Association.

The 'death watch vigil' at the Wickwar alpaca farm began on Thursday after Defra ordered the animal destroyed because of two positive tests for bovine TB.

Owner Helen Macdonald is expecting a visit from Defra at any time to put Geronimo down.

She and Geronimo's supporters have formed a guard at the gate and are vowing not to let any gunmen in.

Meanwhile her lawyers have written to George Eustice, the Environment Secretary, suggesting that the alpaca is kept alive and studied for research.

Jan Mugerwa, representing Helen, said if the government accepted his proposal it would prevent the animal’s destruction, but also aid scientific research into bovine TB in alpacas.

“Under the Animal Health Act 1981 the minister can set aside a destruction order and order instead that the animal be kept instead for observational treatment for research purposes.

“We are saying there are problems with this test. There are nine other alpacas who tested positive were killed and during post-mortem examination – no sign of TB.

“We are saying this is an opportunity to research this properly. The Government has said its top three priorities for its tuberculosis strategy was improving diagnostic testing.

“This is the perfect opportunity to do that.”

Mr Mugerwa said Geronimo could be allowed to stay in isolation at Ms Macdonald’s farm in Wickwar, South Gloucestershire, and be available to research or could move to a specialist facility.

Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: “As a veterinary professional for over 20 years, I know the devastation that TB can cause farmers, their communities and their animals.

“While I sympathise with Ms Macdonald’s situation, we need to follow the scientific evidence and cull animals that have tested positive for TB, to minimise spread of this insidious disease, and ultimately to eradicate the biggest threat to animal health in this country.

“The tests used on Geronimo were developed for use on alpacas and are highly specific – the chances of a false positive are significantly less than one percent and we have tested him twice.

“Not just for the benefit of our farming industry but to avoid more TB cases in humans, our disease control measures must be applied.”

On Monday, around 30 people – including fellow alpaca farmers who have lost animals in similar circumstances – gathered outside Defra’s headquarters in Westminster, to march to Downing Street in support of Geronimo.