Farmers have reported an increased number of ill-health cases on their farms in recent weeks and we decided to take a look at some of the main causes.
Animal Health
Fluctuations in temperatures and weather conditions can add stress to animals.
As we venture into weaning time with suckler farms, Pneumonia is the most common disease facing farmers at this time of the year, which can directly related to weather changes.
You can read our full guide on Pnemonia here.
Farmers should watch out for Grass Tetany and some parasites including Fluke.
In a dairy herd, increased lameness has also been reported due to excessively wet and damaged roadways, providing less favourable walking conditions.
‘Farmers should be aware of anything that’s going to impact on Dry Matter Intake, anything that can compound or lower intake, over a period of time causes stress and immunity reduction.’ Vet Tommy Heffernan explained to That’s Farming.
Lungworm
A period of wet weather, followed by a period of dry weather also raises concern over the risk of lungworm.
The larvae are living on pasture and develop because of periods of wet weather, followed by spells of dry weather.
The larvae are passed out in the dung and require rainwater, which allows them to be shed onto the pasture.
‘In dry weather they don’t tend to spread, but with rainwater they tend to spread onto the pasture.’ Tommy explained.
Taking Caution
‘Farmers should be vigilant about anything that stresses animals and impacted immunity.’ Tommy concluded.
Comments