Vaccinate against new lepto strain
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
RURAL WOMEN New Zealand reminds Far North farming families to be mindful about health issues in dealing with flood waters, inclduing the elevated risk of leptospirosis.
Families should be careful about drinking water, pull on their gumboots, wash hands and faces thoroughly, and cover cuts and grazes before they come into contact with flood water to reduce the chance of getting infections, in particular leptospirosis, Rural Women says.
The leptospirosis bacteria is shed in the urine from infected animals including stock, rodents, dogs, possums, and hedgehogs and is more easily spread about where there is excess surface water as the Far North is currently experiencing.
It gets into the body through cuts and cracks in the skin and the eyes, nose and mouth. The bug also may enter through softened skin that has been in contact with water for a while.
The added difficulty is that animals that are infected may be without symptoms so it is safest to treat all surface water as infected with the bacteria. Animals can become ill too and a lepto vaccine is available for them.
Symptoms in people may be a minor flu like illness however in a more severe form symptoms may include severe headaches, high fever, nausea, jaundice and kidney damage and other debilitating symptoms.
If you are experiencing flu like symptoms please see your doctor immediately. Once detected there is effective treatment available. Rural Women New Zealand has a long association with Leptospirosis research with Massey University. The latest research project was completed in June this year.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…