Unsung heroes under the soil
Much of the scientific work being carried out at the Massey University led regenerative agriculture project, Whenua Haumanu, is below the ground.
Will Halliday, Beef + Lamb New Zealand's senior advisor biosecurity and animal welfare, says if the highly infectious disease of cloven-hoofed animals were to reach New Zealand, the result would be catastrophic for our livestock industries and the wider economy.
He points out that infected cattle wandering through popular tourist resorts in Indonesia pose a real risk as tourists can unwittingly bring infected material back on their footwear or sports equipment.
"While there are good biosecurity measures in place at airports, we strongly suggest farmers don't allow overseas visitors who have been near animals, particularly those from Indonesia, onto their farm for at least a week after their arrival."
Halliday says with an outbreak relatively close to home, it is good time to review farm biosecurity plans and practices to ensure everyone on the farm knows what they need to do to protect the farm business and the wider industry from FMD and other diseases.
This includes ensuring all cattle and deer movements on and off the farm are recorded through NAIT and that ASD forms are readily available. Ask visitors to sign in when they arrive on the farm and make sure all footwear, tyres and equipment is cleaned when they arrive and when they leave.
Ensure boundary fences are well maintained and follow quarantine protocols when new stock arrives on-farm.
"It is also crucial farmers do not feed uncooked food waste to pigs as this can be a pathway for transmission."
Halliday adds that farmers should know what FMD symptoms to look out for as these can vary between species.
In cattle, the symptoms include excessive drooling, smacking the lips, shivering, depression/dullness, reluctance to eat and walk, sudden drop in milk yield and blisters in the mouth and between hooves.
The symptoms in sheep are more subtle and inclue mild to moderate lameness, tendency to lie down and stop grazing, blisters between the hooves and in the mouth.
In pigs, FMD shows up as sudden lameness and a tendency to lie down, loss of appetite and blisters on snout and hooves.
Halliday says it is important to note that in most cases, multiple animals will be affected simultaneously. He says if farmers notice any of these symptoms, they should inform their veterinarian or call Ministry for Primary Industries on 0800 80 99 66 immediately.
"Farmers should not hesitate to call their vet or the 0800 number. We would much rather a false alarm than an outbreak made worse by a hesitancy to make a call."
Keep An Eye Out!
Foot and Mouth Disease is spreading through popular Indonesian tourist destinations including Bali.
- Don't allow overseas visitors who have been in contact with animals onto farms for at least a week after their arrival.
- Ensure stringent on-farm biosecurity protocols are in place and adhered to.
- Do not feed uncooked food waste to pigs.
- Become familiar with the symptoms of foot and mouth disease and do not hesitate to call a vet or 0800 80 99 66.
