LIVESTOCK REPORT
Issues to be aware of...
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Liver fluke
Lots of producers have been asking us about liver fluke recently, and we’ve diagnosed a few cases in cattle.
Testing for worms can be done reliably using faecal egg counts, but this isn’t the case for liver fluke, because adult liver flukes only lay eggs intermittently (especially in cattle). Instead, the best way to detect a liver fluke infestation at a mob or herd/flock level is for a vet to perform a blood antibody test. In some cases, we detect fluke infestations in mobs where there aren’t dramatic signs of the disease (such as marked weight loss, anaemia, and ‘bottle jaw’), but this doesn’t mean liver fluke aren’t causing negative impacts through reduced weight gains or reduced wool or milk production.
For many producers in our area, a single annual flukicide treatment (given in late autumn or early winter) will be adequate, but speak to your vet about the best approach for your situation.
For those who aren’t sure whether liver fluke are present on the property, speak to a vet to discuss testing options – this will save the cost of treatment if no fluke are present, or increase production if they are.
More information on liver fluke can be found in this DPI Primefact.
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'Bottle jaw' can be a sign of liver fluke in cattle. In this animal however, 'wooden tongue' (a bacterial infection) resulted in a similar appearance
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Phalaris staggers in sheep
There are many potential causes of ‘staggers’ syndromes in sheep, but in our area phalaris toxicity is the most common.
We’ve diagnosed a few cases recently in adult ewes that have been grazing Phalaris-dominant pastures for an extended period. Sometimes only a few animals develop symptoms, but it’s possible for a significant proportion of the mob to be affected.
In milder cases sheep may have a persistent head tremor, but are still able to walk, eat, and drink relatively normally. In more severe cases sheep develop a stumbling, hopping gait and sometimes struggle to stand. The disease at this point is irreversible and can be fatal in some animals. Severely affected animals may need to be euthanised on welfare grounds, while some (not all) of the less severe cases may recover.
On properties where Phalaris staggers is a known issue (usually where paddocks contain a high proportion of older Phalaris varieties and where soils are cobalt deficient), cobalt supplementation using rumen bullets has been shown to be quite effective in preventing the disease.
Phalaris toxicity in cattle causes slightly different symptoms and is much less common.
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This ewe had advanced signs of phalaris staggers, including stumbling, 'knuckling', and hopping when attempting to walk
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FMD exclusions
In order to protect Australia’s significant livestock and meat export markets, it’s critical that we continue to prove that we are free from ‘exotic’ diseases like Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), African Swine Fever (ASF), and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) – all of which are currently present in neighbouring countries to our north.
In any case where symptoms are similar to an exotic disease, samples are sent to the lab so that testing can confirm these diseases are not present.
In the past month our District Vets have excluded FMD in two cases where lesions around the mouth were similar in appearance to those that could be caused by FMD (see case photos below).
It’s important that these kinds of issues are reported and investigated rapidly, so that we can continue to prove freedom from disease, and so that we increase the chance of detecting an exotic disease incursion should it occur.
For more information on FMD, take a look at this DPI Primefact.
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These lesions in sheep and cattle resemble those that could be caused by FMD, so a laboratory exclusion of the disease was performed
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LIVESTOCK ALERT
To look out for in the weeks ahead...
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Yersinia scours in sheep
Yersinia scours is caused by bacteria that can live in the gut of healthy sheep, but which have the capacity to cause disease, mostly in animals that are compromised due to a parasite burden, poor nutrition, or stress factors such as cold, wet weather.
Yersinia scours most often affects younger sheep, but adult sheep may also be affected. Symptoms – namely diarrhoea, dehydration, weakness, weight loss – can look similar to those caused by other diseases, so it’s important to check for other causes such as internal parasites or coccidia
An important part of treating most yersinia scours outbreaks is addressing stress factors (e.g. by drenching to remove worms and providing optimum nutrition), but antibiotics may be warranted, so speak to a vet to discuss treatment options.
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Yersinia scours can cause weight loss (or reduced weight gains) and potentially deaths in young sheep
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Hypothermia
At this time of year, hypothermia (cold stress) should be on the radar for sheep producers.
Sheep are generally able to withstand cold temperatures quite well, but the combination of cold, rain, and wind poses a risk.
Young animals, those that have been recently shorn, merinos, or animals in light body condition are at the greatest risk – losses are rarely seen if none of these factors are present.
Preventative strategies include selecting paddocks with shelter (e.g. dense rows of trees, timber) for the highest risk mobs such as lambing ewes or recently shorn sheep, ensuring adequate feed availability during high risk periods (which might mean supplementing with hay), and being prepared to alter shearing times if weather alerts occur.
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Aspect and shelter should be considered when selecting paddocks for lambing ewes or recently shorn sheep
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Could acid soils at depth be your biggest soil health hand-break in the next dry spell?
Phil Cranney - Senior Land Services Officer, Pastures
phil.cranney@lls.nsw.gov.au
0458 745 478
Most farmers and agronomists measure soil fertility in a 0-10cm depth range. That’s where all the good stuff lies, where the most plant nutrients are concentrated and where the moisture enters. However, after years of advice from all the major institutions (including ours) about sampling technique and surface lime application, we may have an undiscovered problem lurking beneath and within the 10cm soil profile.
NSW DPI researchers Helen Burns and Jason Condon have been delving deeper into the soil pH issue by operating three different demonstration sites on the Central Tablelands and southern slopes. They have also revisited the data from the NSW DPI Masters experiment in Wagga. All roads are leading to a potential aluminium and manganese toxicity issue for some soils in the 5cm-15cm range. This toxicity has the potential to be hidden in the 0-10cm average of pH through our conventional sampling methods.
Therefore, if you suspect that your farm’s soil has a pH stratification issue, then now is the time to act.
We have put together an Acid Soil In-depth Masterclass for you to identify and target problem soils on your farm. A series of workshops will be held in the week starting 18 July.
The two-part workshop series cost is $395 per farm business and includes:
- $360 worth of soil testing
- A dig stick and drive cap valued at over $400
The workshop groups will be capped at 10 farm businesses each.
Sign up today online - head to the events section below for dates and details.
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Yellowing of crops and pastures
Clare Edwards - Senior Land Services Officer, Pastures
clare.edwards@lls.nsw.gov.au
0428 435 615
Over the last four to six weeks, I have had several enquiries from producers who have seen yellowing in forage crops and pastures. There are several potential causes of this discolouration, which we can classify into five broad groups.
- The first group is diseases, such as fungi, viruses, bacteria and nematodes
- Secondly, environmental stresses like large diurnal (day to night) changes in temperature, frosts and wind
- A third group is pest damage
- The fourth includes management impacts such as herbicides, for example
- The fifth group, which many producers presume will be the likely cause, is nutrient deficiencies and toxicities
Click to read about one of the main stresses presently causing yellowing - waterlogging.
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MUDGEE SMALL FARM FIELD DAYS - MUDGEE
Come visit us at the Field Days and learn all about the support and advice we can provide to help you look after your piece of the landscape puzzle. From understanding your biosecurity responsibilities when it comes to managing pests and weed, animal welfare advice, caring for natural resources on your property, or improving the productivity and profitability of your farm business – our staff will be on hand to have a chat and answer your questions. Our vets and livestock officers will also be hosting practical livestock sessions!
Friday 8 - Saturday 9 July 2022
ACID SOILS AT DEPTH - VARIOUS
Learn more about your options to improve pH to depth in your soil.
Monday 18 July 2022 - Euchareena
Friday 22 July 2022 - Blayney
Tuesday 19 July 2022 - Manildra
Wednesday 20 July 2022 - Eugowra
SOIL HEALTH WORKSHOP - CUMNOCK
Over two sessions, learn how you can improve soil health, your farm's biggest asset. You will learn practical methods of field assessment and fundamental sampling techniques. If you have a farm of 10ha or more in the Central Tablelands Local Land Services region you will be eligible for two free soil tests. Day one date below, with day two taking place approx 4-6 weeks after.
Thursday 28 July 2022
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Contact a district vet
Your District Veterinarian is a valuable resource for local and independent advice on biosecurity and animal health issues. They can investigate herd and flock problems to help maintain a productive and secure local livestock industry.
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Rhys Powell, Orange
0428 710 002
Nigel Gillan, Orange
0438 700 398
Lucienne Downs, Orange
0417 043 966
Bruce Watt, Bathurst
0428 935 559
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Jess Bourke, Mudgee
0417 803 685
Emilee Johnstone, Cowra
(Mon-Wed)
0419 334 077
Evie Duggan, Cowra
(Wed-Fri)
0427 147 939
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Contact the ag team
The agriculture advisory team supports you in managing your livestock and landscapes by providing support services, pasture and livestock advice and industry training to increase productivity and profitability.
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Phil Cranney, Orange
Pastures
0458 745 478
Clare Edwards, Mudgee
Pastures
0428 435 615
Casey Proctor, Cowra
Agricultural Systems
0429 110 072
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Brett Littler, Mudgee
Livestock
0427 007 398
Claudia Macleay, Bathurst
Livestock
0438 302 501
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Report any suspicion or outbreak of an emergency animal disease
Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline - 1800 675 888
Emergency animal diseases are likely to have severe consequences for livestock productivity, trade or possibly even human health. By remaining vigilant and acting quickly if you suspect an emergency animal disease, you may be able to prevent these consequences.
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If you know or suspect of a plant pest or disease, call the
Exotic Plant Pest Hotline - 1800 084 881
or use the online notification form
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If you've had a farm visit or over the phone consultation with one of our District Vets or Ag team members, we'd love to know how it went. By rating your interaction with us via a series of smiley faces and a short optional survey, your feedback tells us how we’re going and how we can improve our service delivery. Click here to rate us.
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