RLPBs busy due to recent rain
While the recent rain has been great news for farmers it has also brought with it a number of animal health and pest issues across the state according to local Rural Lands Protection Boards (RLPBs).
District vets have reported a rise in stock illness associated with consuming poisonous plants, Bovine Ephemeral Fever more commonly known as Three Day Sickness, and Barbers Pole Worm. Rangers have also noted an increase in rabbit and feral pig numbers.
State Council of Rural Lands Protection Boards Animal Health Manager, Stephen Ottaway, said Boards were encouraging farmers to be vigilant and aware that many of these problems have arisen from wet and humid conditions particularly in the southern parts of the state where wet summers are not common.
"The higher than average rainfall we have been experiencing over the last couple of months has exacerbated weed, pest and disease outbreaks in sheep and cattle and early intervention is vital.
"We have seen heavy infestations of Heliotrope, St John’s Wort and Hairy Panic which when eaten by stock have been responsible for skin damage, photosensitisation, and jaundice.
"As well as immediate health problems the consumption of these plants can also have long term effects such as progressive liver damage and in large doses can ultimately prove fatal," Stephen Ottaway said.
Numerous cases of Three Day Sickness in cattle have also been reported across the state with symptoms including fever, loss of appetite and lameness.
Stock losses are uncommon and medical treatment is often not necessary but cases of this insect-borne disease should be assessed individually by your local RLPB district vet.
Barber’s Pole Worm has also been thriving as a result of summer rain with stock suffering from anaemia and death occurring in severe cases.
"Acting on these threats quickly is very important with early diagnosis one of the most effective ways to protect the health of your livestock. RLPBs employ district vets to provide a field diagnostic service and can provide help and advice on animal health issues relevant to their district" Stephen Ottaway said.
State Council of RLPBs Pest and Travelling Stock Reserve Manager, Tim Seears, said the increase in rabbit numbers were also a big problem as a result of higher than average rainfall.
"With so much green feed around, poisoning is not a particularly effective control method at the moment.
"Landholders should concentrate on harbor destruction such as warren ripping and the removal of blackberries, briars, old logs and heaps where rabbits are likely to inhabit," he said.
"Feral pig numbers are also expected to rise particularly in the north-western parts of the state. Control can be more difficult as they spread out as more water and feed becomes available. Landholders need to work together and with their local Board to run consistent trapping, poisoning and shooting control programs," Tim Seears said.
Any stock health or pest animal enquiries can be directed to your local Rural lands Protection Board.