Act early to avoid animal health problems

11 June 2007

Farmers advised to act early to avoid animal health and welfare problems

Act early is the message that veterinarians are giving their farmer clients in drought stricken East Coast areas.

“Have a plan and update it regularly. Feed budgeting and de-stocking when required are the main points we emphasise to farmers,” says Gisborne veterinarian, Dr John Meban. “It is important farmers focus on the nutrition of their animals because underfed stock is vulnerable to all sorts of health problems such as worms, liver fluke, lice, mineral deficiencies and infectious disease.”

Dr Meban says the effects of poor nutrition creep up gradually and farmers may not know how undernourished their stock has become.

“We advise farmers to get out and weigh their animals and physically condition score them. This way they get an objective measurement of the state of the stock.”

“As lambing and calving season approaches, it is important farmers assess their feed situation and plan ahead for the last third of pregnancy when the greatest demand comes on. They should de-stock sooner rather than later to prevent the inevitable animal welfare and health problems. The recent rain some areas received will not be enough to rescue the situation for some farmers.”

Reducing stock numbers is essential for many farmers and involves hard decision-making says New Zealand Food Safety Authority veterinarian, Dr Richard Wild.

“There are limited options for de-stocking; animals can be sold to other farmers, sent for slaughter or killed on the farm,” says Dr Wild. “In many instances we advise the farmer to seek independent expertise to help them assess the situation and make the best choice.”

Dr Wild says stock that is sent for slaughter must be fit for transport. This means they must be able to stand on the truck and walk off at the end of the journey. The distance they need to travel may determine whether slaughter is an option or not.

If unsure whether animals are fit for transport to slaughter, Dr Wild says farmers should talk to their vet and get the animals assessed.

“Severely affected animals may have to be humanely destroyed on farm. Because this can be a very hard decision for a farmer to make we recommend calling on outside expertise, such as a local veterinarian.”

Dr Wild says that under the Animal Welfare Act animal owners are responsible to ensure their animals’ welfare needs are met. MAF veterinarians work closely with other professionals to assist farmers to make the best decisions to cope with the drought.

“Taking action under the Animal Welfare Act is the last resort for us but in extreme cases, where farmers have not heeded advice and animals have suffered as a result, MAF is obliged to proceed,”he says.

A multi-disciplinary approach is underway to assist farmers in the worst drought areas. Federated Farmers, veterinarians, MAF, stock and station agents, fertiliser companies, bankers and others have all pitched in at recent drought meetings to advise farmers of practical strategies to help them cope.

“We know there are farmers who have not attended any of the meetings and there may be some who refuse to confront the gravity of their situation. Therefore, we ask farmers to look out for their neighbours. Often a friendly confidential phone call can open up channels for communication and assistance,” Dr Meban says.

ENDS

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