Livestock health advice following floods
Following recent flooding over the Mid North Coast and Hunter, district vets from the Mid Coast Livestock Health and Pest Authority are recommending producers monitor livestock health and disease as problems can continue for some time after the water recedes.
Ian Poe, Mid Coast LHPA senior district vet, says the floods have had a devastating effect on many properties, leading to loss of infrastructure and pastures.
"Of immediate importance is ensuring stock have access to sufficient feed," said Dr Poe.
"This flood event has unfortunately coincided with a time of year when feed quality and quantity is often already low on many properties. The widespread nature of this flood event has also meant that agistment options nearby are limited.
"Stock which are nutritionally challenged and stressed as a result of the floods are likely to be more susceptible to a range of diseases."
Dr Poe said a common problem that is seen following floods in animals sent on agistment is plant poisonings due to ingestion of plants such as lantana and bracken fern.
"Hungry stock which are unaccustomed to grazing paddocks containing poisonous plants will often eat them, especially if feed is limited," he said.
"Where possible, producers who are sending stock away on agistment should endeavour to make enquiries as to the presence of poisonous plants on those properties and monitor cattle closely following introduction for any evidence of poisoning.
"Often following flood events during winter we will see cases of Flood Mud Scours (Yersiniosis). This is a bacterial infection of the intestine leading to a profuse watery diarrhoea and death. The bacteria which causes the disease survives well in surface water, particularly at cold temperatures.
"Minimising other stress factors such as inadequate feed and internal parasites can help reduce the risk. Cattle displaying signs of flood mud scours require treatment with an appropriate antibiotic, and if treated early many affected animals will make a full recovery. On occasions flood mud scours may cause sudden death without evidence of scouring."
Dr Poe added that foot problems and mastitis are also likely to be seen in the weeks following the floods.
Producers experiencing livestock health problems or seeking advice on supplementary stock feeding should contact their local LHPA district veterinarian or private veterinarian for assistance.
Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378