Looking ahead

Potential animal health issues, tasks to consider and reminders for this month include…

FACIAL ECZEMA

  • Spore counting has started for the 2025 facial eczema season. Check out our weekly report on the website and/or subscribe to our weekly email by contacting gaye.stein@tvg.co.nz.

DAIRY

  • Scanning – Farms should consider an early scan 35 days after the first 6 weeks of mating, to accurately work out their 6-week in calf rate.

  • Crop feeding – Be alert for increased time on crops resulting in a spike in mastitis cases; especially if there is rain and cows are sitting down on dirt/mud once the break area is grazed off, higher risk on turnip crops than on chicory. Ensure that clostridial vaccination is in place to protect at least the more vulnerably young stock where there is a farm history of sudden deaths. Adult stock can also be vaccinated.

  • Maintaining/gaining BCS between now and drying off is important, ideally you don’t want to be trying to increase body condition after dry off but rather hold a suitable BCS through the dry period. If cows are at a low BCS now then consider drying off earlier.

  • Thiamine deficiency (Polio) – Check our article for more information HERE. We are seeing cases across the region.

SHEEP and BEEF

  • Parasite management – If you haven’t done so already make sure you are doing a 10-day drench check. If you are in an area affected by Barber’s pole keep an eye out for high FEC or weak lambs as an indication you may need to treat. Larval cultures can also be beneficial.

  • Salmonella – Keep an eye out for unexpected deaths in MA ewes, especially after management changes e.g. shearing.

  • Mating prep – A reminder to condition score ewes and 2ths and make any plans needed to lift condition. If you are mating hoggets, check they are on target. If you haven’t ordered your repro vaccines, do so now. It is now recommended that sheep get a Campy booster.

  • Beef pregnancy testing – The earlier this is done the easier it is to age and identify twins. Ideally 6 weeks after the bull is out. If your bull is still out in February, make sure he is checked on a regular basis.

  • Ensure finishing cattle are vaccinated to avoid deaths from clostridial diseases, these often occur when animals are growing well on lush pasture and can be hard to distinguish from bloat.

  • Flystrike cases being seen already.

  • Thiamine deficiency (Polio) – Check our article for more information HERE. We are seeing cases across the region.

DEER

  • Early in the month is a good time to vaccinate hinds against Leptospirosis, whilst later in February or March, depending on birth date, fawns can also be given their first Lepto shot, along with Yersiniavax® for Yersiniosis.

EQUINE

  • Weaning is a potentially stressful period for youngsters so ensure excellent nutrition for young stock, with slow feed transitions. Plan ahead for branding, identification/registration and further vaccination(s).

  • Ensure your horses’ feet are balanced and trimmed for optimal performance during the competition season. Lameness due to foot soreness can occur as the ground gets harder and more unforgiving through the summer months.

  • Ensure paddocks/yards have constant access to cool water and shade to mitigate risks of heat stress.

  • Consider vaccinations if horses are travelling to showgrounds and mixing with other horses, increasing risk of exposure to infectious diseases.