09 April 2023 , 21:03
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Countryfile viewers were left reaching for the remote after a special medical episode showed how leeches and maggots are being used medically.
The BBC show saw host Sean Fletcher learn how leeches suck NHS patients blood in a demonstration with pig's blood from a membrane.
Yet many viewers couldn't stomach watching the episode as it aired over tea time.
"Leeches in the wild can go over a year without eating but on the farm, these leeches destined for medicinal usage have a feeding schedule to maintain and today, we're giving them a treat," Sean told viewers.
The presenter rocked up to a farm in the village of Hendy in South Wales, where Carl gave him an insight into the leeches habits.
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BBC viewers left 'feeling sick' after the leech segment (BBC)Carl explained: "A small fresh black pudding with some liquid pigs blood. We're going to put it in and they're going to attach to start the feeding."
Sean admitted the membrane filled with pigs' blood did in fact smell like the food, as Carl dipped it into the tank full of leeches.
"It smells like breakfast to me already," he explained.
"We used to use natural skin but it's a bit wibbly wobbly so the collagen stuff is really good," Carl said.
"This is like a membrane they can feed through."
In the wild, leeches would feed on frogs before moving on small mammals.
Sean learnt about leeches medial usage (BBC)As soon as the blood was placed into the tank, the leeches began to attach and feed from the membrane.
Carl explained the medicinal uses for the leeches, adding: "When using them medically, they are trying to keep the blood flowing.
"So say for a finger or skin graft they'd use one or two leeches. They'd put one on and wrangle them into the area and the leech would sit in one spot and feed for 20 minutes."
Despite learning the clever use of leeches in the medical world, viewers couldn't help but turn away from the segment.
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"Don't think I can watch this. I don't like things without legs," one viewer wrote.
Another said: "Perhaps #Countryfile isn't the programme to watch whilst eating a Sunday meal."
"I can think of more appealing programmes to watch at Sunday teatime than one on leeches, interesting though it is!," quipped someone else.
A fourth added: "This is making me gip. I might skip tea #Countryfile."