Parasite Forecast. If low temperatures continue through February, as they are forecast to do, and into March, then there is likely to be a late Nematodirus hatch leading to a high risk of disease in main-crop lambs later this year, typically in May and June. A nematodirosis forecast will be produced when March meteorological data are available.. . .......More ▼

Please click your region on map for more

Ewe Nutrition and Metabolic Disease. Reduced lamb birthweight can occur when placental development has been limited by competition within the uterine horn when three embryos implanted and underwent early foetal development but one foetus failed to develop further and was resorbed leaving the other developing foetus in the same horn much smaller than normal and unable to compensate. ..............  More ▼

Please click your region on map for more

Septic Laminitis (Bush Foot). In the early stages, there will be little other signs than a reluctance of the sow to put weight on the foot.  She will act as if she is touching something hot.  Over a few days, swelling may appear above the horn and the foot will be noticeably hot and painful.  Unless action is taken, the developing abscess will infiltrate all tissues of the foot, including tendons and bone, setting up a septic arthritis or osteomylitis and tendonitis.............More ▼

Please click your region on map for more

Biosecurity & Purchasing Replacements in Beef Herds. Control should be targeted to the major infectious disease conditions on the farm .  Prevention of disease may involve vaccination and, in those farms which must buy replacement breeding stock, purchasing cattle free from certain diseases.  In its broadest sense, biosecurity means preventing the introduction of new diseases onto the farm. Biosecurity helps in the control and even eradication of diseases, resulting in reduced drug usage and increased profitability. . ...... More ▼
Please click your region on map for more