Monitor stock health in Mid Coast flood areas
District vets at the Mid Coast Livestock Health and Pest Authority are asking landholders to be on the lookout for livestock health problems following the floods around Bellingen and Nambucca.
Cattle producers in these flood-affected areas should be closely monitoring their stock for any signs of disease in order to detect problems early and take necessary action.
Ian Poe, district vet with the Mid Coast LHPA, says that these wet conditions are bringing with them a range of livestock health problems, in particular mastitis, botulism and foot problems.
"Dairy cows are particularly prone to mastitis following periods of heavy rain, due to changes in milking patterns and wet conditions, and farmers need to be diligent with hygiene," Mr Poe said.
"Botulism can be associated with cattle grazing waterlogged paddocks, as decaying submerged vegetation can be a source of botulinum toxin. We often see a higher incidence of plant poisonings in cattle moved to agistment properties where they may eat potentially toxic plants which they are unaccustomed to.
"Wet conditions will also result in a flare-up of footrot, if present, and foot abscesses and other foot problems will be common where animals’ feet are constantly wet.
"In these areas there is also an increased risk of bacterial diseases and viruses such as three-day sickness following floods."
Mr Poe advised landholders to continue checking their stock for several weeks following the floods, in order to detect early onset of these diseases, and to contact the local LHPA vet for assistance in diagnosis and treatment options.
The lack of feed as flood waters retreat means that nutritional problems for stock must also be addressed.
"Producers need to start planning immediately for how they will feed their stock in the months to come if pastures normally relied on have been ruined by flooding," Mr Poe said.
If you have any questions about livestock health issues following the floods in your area, please contact your local LHPA office in Kempsey on 6562 7822.
Media contact: Suzie Robinson 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378