Ryegrass Staggers is a neurological impairment of cattle - particularly of weaned calves and heifers - as well as sheep, deer, horses and alpacas. Horses can be permanently impaired. It is caused by a naturally occurring ryegrass endophyte (fungus). The…
Copper deficiency is most recognised in deer and cattle causing production losses through a sub-clinical deficiencies. On occasions, clinical signs will occur including poor locomotion, coat changes, poor reproductive performance, poor milk production, diarrhoea, weight loss and skeletal defects and…
In the past recommendations for electrolytes differed depending on the type of work the horse was doing. For example endurance horses were given acidic electrolyte solution with increased potassium levels to offset the alkalosis that occurred due to losing sweat…
Treating calf scours is a time consuming, frustrating business and the first thing to remember is that even though you will do your best you may not save them all. One of the first questions to ask when a calf…
Both these diseases are common around the time of calving or the onset of lactation. They are emergency conditions requiring urgent medical attention. Milk Fever or Hypocalcaemia Most common in cattle but seen in all species. In cattle this…
Clostridial diseases include Pulpy Kidney, Tetanus, Malignant Oedema, Black disease and Black Leg. It is a little concerning that there are some farms that do not vaccinate against these diseases. A comment I get when talking about clostridial vaccines is…
Caring for your pet lamb may seem simple, but there are a few things you need to aware of ... It is absolutely vital that the lamb has at least one feed of colostrum (milk from a ewe lambed within…
Diseases of farm animals include and are not limited to, Yersiniosis and Leptospirosis. Yersiniosis This disease is most seen in deer but can be found in other species such as calves and goats. In deer it is often a fatal…
FACIAL ECZEMA At times spore counts will exceed 500,000, and even over a million in many areas, usually only in the North Island which is considered as "high risk". That risk may continue into June in some areas. Prevention…
Parasites in deer are common. They are infected with similar parasites both internally and externally to other species and the signs and treatments are similar too. Clinical signs will include production loss, with severe weight loss, often scouring and thickening…