Keep an eye on livestock health following floods
Following flooding across the area, vets from the New England Livestock Health and Pest Authority are suggesting producers monitor their livestock for disease so early action can be taken if it is needed.
New England LHPA district vet, Lisa Martin, says the recent floods around the Tenterfield Creek, and the Clarence, Mole and Dumaresq River areas will have impacted livestock.
"Infrastructure such as fences and yards are commonly lost in floods allowing movement of animals over a larger area and difficulties in handling stock post flooding," she said.
"In the immediate flooding period severe animal welfare issues may exist for injured, stranded or strayed animals. However after the flood event significant losses can still occur from infectious disease, poisonings and nutritional disease."
Dr Martin said infectious diseases such as Blackleg, Tetanus and Pulpy Kidney, Leptospirosis and Botulism can be more prevalent post flooding.
"Where possible, producers should try to take preventative steps such as vaccinating cattle against those infectious diseases."
"Insect worry and insect borne diseases like 3 Day Sickness and Akabane Disease can also become an issue due to the favourable moist conditions, as well as an increase in worm parasitism in stressed stock."
"There may be a risk of plant poisonings in the next few months due to the opportunistic growth and water borne spread of plants into new areas. Plants like Nogoora Burr, Lantana, Castor Oil Plant, Fireweed, Mother of Millions and Green Cestrum can all cause losses in post flood situations. Even heavy lush growth of some grasses can cause stock losses from nitrate or prussic acid."
Moving animals to post flooding agistment in other areas may have movement restrictions or disease implications. Discuss this with the LHPA before the animals are relocated, as you may be eligible to receive transport freight subsidies. NLIS and movement documentation requirements still apply. Any stock losses should also be reported to your local LHPA.
A fact sheet can be collected or emailed to producers detailing more information. Contact the Tenterfield office of the New England LHPA on 02 6736 1355.
Information on assistance, including transport freight subsidies, can be found at http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/emergency/flood.
Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378