Monday, 15 September 2014 09:16

Vets at forefront of swede sickness

Written by 

COWS THAT have become ill, with some dying, after grazing on swede crops has seen veterinarians in Southland practices at the forefront of dealing with this animal health issue.

 

"Veterinary practices in Southland first noticed unusual signs of liver disease in autopsies of cows on swedes in July," says Dr Mark Bryan, of the New Zealand Veterinary Association.

"We then started to go back and look at unusual cases in winter prior to that, and work forward collecting more bloods and post mortem samples to complete the picture. We have been finding significant liver and sometimes kidney damage in many cases. Investigations are continuing and we have collected huge amounts of data from over 40 farms and are now helping DairyNZ to get more of the answers we need to address this problem.

"Symptoms for cows that have eaten swedes in the region include photosensitivity, weight loss and/or ill thrift. There is increased mortality and animals appear to be more susceptible to other diseases. We are monitoring farms to determine any chronic or long-term subclinical effects.

"If symptoms appear we encourage farmers to stop feeding swedes to their cows and to provide an alternative feed, along with water and shade for any animal showing signs of photosensitivity, and to contact their vet. We are also suggesting that if farmers are concerned, they get a proportion of their cows blood sampled to determine the extent, if any, of liver damage."

Information from PGGW has confirmed the veterinarians' initial suspicion that the HT variety of swedes is linked to the majority of cases.

"We will continue to work closely with Dairy NZ and other rural health professionals to further understand the cause and provide more advice to farmers."

Dr Bryan says that veterinarians have helped set up a working group to be led by DairyNZ and that Southland veterinary practices are in close contact and working together.

More like this

Another win

OPINION: Feds Southland 'pres' Jason Herrick and colleagues who continue the good fight against bureaucratic madness on behalf of farmers, have had another win - for now, at least - getting a court decision granting a 'stay' on rules in the Southland Water and Land Plan until changes can be made to section 70 of the RMA by central goverment, somtheing they clearly signaled after the election.

Court decision a win for Southland farmers

Federated Farmers says it welcomes a recent court decision which granted a stay on rules in the Southland Water and Land Plan until legislative changes can be made by government.

Not fair

OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.

Southland farmers breathe a sigh of relief

Southland Farmers will be breathing a sigh of relief that central Government is stepping in to stop Environment Southland from introducing unworkable and expensive new farming rules.

Featured

Being a rural vet is ‘fantastic’

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) awards.

Editorial: Long overdue!

OPINION: The Government's latest move to make freshwater farm plans more practical and affordable is welcome, and long overdue.

National

Helping protect sheep from parasites

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s…

Machinery & Products

Farmer-led group buys Novag

While the name and technology remain unchanged and new machines will continue to carry the Novag name, all the assets,…

Buhler name to go

Shareholders at a special meeting have approved a proposed deal that will see Buhler Industries, the publicly traded Versatile and…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Make it 1000%!

OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…

Own goal

OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter