Be aware of livestock diseases following flood
As the floodwaters recede, vets from the North Coast Livestock Health and Pest are urging producers in the North Coast area to monitor their livestock for disease.
Senior district vet with the North Coast LHPA, Matt Ball, said the key issues for flood recovery planning include access to decent fodder, prevention of flood related health problems and the maintenance and restoration of property fences and boundaries.
"A common problem after floods is access to feed, in terms of both quantity and quality," he said.
"Livestock that do not receive adequate nutrition have an increased risk of disease. Livestock health problems observed commonly after floods include nutritional problems, lameness, mastitis, flood mud scours, plant poisonings (as stock seek other feed) and mastitis. Later on fungal related diseases from damaged feed and internal parasites, such as liver fluke can be a problem."
Dr Ball said a potentially dangerous practice is the feeding of supplementary feeds.
"After floods, mouldy feeds can be a problem and if silage is used botulism can be a risk. As such, vaccination against botulism is recommended when feeding silage."
Flood recovery may mean an increase in the movement of stock on public roads. It is important for stock owners not to forget the legislative requirements when moving stock. Correct documentation, use of stock warning signs and accompanying stock at all times is essential. Signs and documentation are available for producers at LHPA offices.
Dr Ball recommends that producers increase stock observations, in particular looking for the presence of disease or abnormal symptoms. It may also be worthwhile inspecting paddocks before stock are allowed onto them as damage from the floods could increase hazards to animals, such as fencing wire which can be accidentally ingested.
Seek early advice from your local LHPA or a private vet if you suspect any disease problems.
Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378