Heavy rain, lambs, and leptospirosis
A warm, very wet summer and autumn certainly brings with it an abundance of feed for grazing livestock and nearly all the stock we are seeing is in excellent condition.
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Whether you’re a first time pet owner looking for the basics or a seasoned fur parent looking for some inspiration, we have everything covered from nutrition, vaccinations and grooming, to common health issues, behaviour and general wellbeing.
A warm, very wet summer and autumn certainly brings with it an abundance of feed for grazing livestock and nearly all the stock we are seeing is in excellent condition.
A sheep farm was visited where copper (Cu) toxicity was suspected. Several lambs appeared lethargic and anaemic. The farmer had purchased lambs from a farm that had been feeding poultry litter (manure is usually treated with copper sulphate to reduce the bacterial level). Sheep are unique in that they accumulate copper in the liver more readily than other farm animals. As a result, they are very susceptible to copper (Cu) toxicity (poisoning).
Have you thought about the next breeding season? Having a well-planned breeding strategy is key.
Iodine-dependent hormones produced by the thyroid gland are essential for growth and development of the foetus, and crucial for the survival of the newborn lamb.
Lameness is one of the most common presenting causes of working farm dogs to the vet clinic. Lameness refers to unevenness in the gait due to an inability to move one or more limbs normally with sudden onset or progressive and ongoing.
Most people will be well aware about the growing issues with drench resistance. While vets and many farmers have been aware of this issue and dealing with these problems for 20 years, in the last few years there appears to have been an explosion in drench resistance cases, in particular in triple drench resistance.
So, you’ve adopted a puppy You will be forever rewarded with cuteness, cuddles and unconditional love. We’re sure you’re adamant about which treats and accessories you want to buy them, you may not be so sure on where to start with their healthcare.
So, you’ve adopted a kitten! While you definitely know how cute and fluffy they are, and you’re adamant about which treats and accessories you want to buy them, you may not be so sure on where to start with their healthcare.
The goals set by milk processors, the ACVM (the group overseeing antibiotic use) and Vet Council are to ensure dry cow therapy (DCT) is used only when there is evidence of quarter infection.
The challenge of anthelmintic use in sheep continues, with both product supply and the ever-increasing evidence of anthelmintic resistance and resultant production losses.
From 1 June 2023, Fonterra is introducing a new clause within their Terms of Supply which means calves can only be euthanised on-farm when there are humane reasons for doing so.
Keeping working dogs warm overnight is an important aspect of husbandry that can sometimes be overlooked. When the ambient temperature inside the kennel drops below 20°C – not that cold! – dogs need to burn energy just to keep warm.