Western NSW landholders are being advised to review their livestock management following recent rainfall. Image – Raindrops by Charli Smith

WESTERN New South Wales livestock producers are being reminded to review their animal health management following recent rain events.

Western Local Land Services said with handling, transport, and short green feed all being catalysts for livestock stress, particularly if stock are young or pregnant, revising on-farm management procedures is vital to ensuring animals remain healthy.

LLS said a starting point for landholders is to review the vaccination status of their livestock and administer boosters where appropriate to decrease the risks associated with Clostridial diseases especially, which often occur at an increased rate after a rain event. There was also an increased likelihood that intestinal worms would occur after rainfall, making it important for producers to review their drench protocol.

Western Local Land Services district veterinarian, Jess van de Weyer, also encouraged landholders to consider what flora may proliferate after rain events and how it could impact on livestock.

“It is important to consider what weeds and toxic plants may also benefit from rain events, and what detrimental effects these could have on livestock health should they have access to them,” Ms van de Weyer said.

“Another thing that rain events can affect is water quality.

“Geographical water courses and what may be in their path should be considered, as this may affect the quality of water accessed by stock,” she said.

“Local Land Services have pre-paid water testing kits available at each of the regional offices so they are something we encourage landholders to make use of.”

Landholders with questions relating to animal health should contact their nearest Local Land Services District Veterinarian:

• Charlotte Cavanagh, Bourke, 0429 773 021 or [email protected]
• Trent McCarthy, Buronga, 0437 822 012 or [email protected]
• Jess van de Weyer, Broken Hill, 0417 556 184 or [email protected]

Source: LLS.