WIDESPREAD rain was much-needed but it also increased the risk of disease in cattle.
North Coast Local Land Services veterinarians said while the falls of more than 100 millimetres over most of the region was welcome, it increased the risk of the likes of nitrate poisoning, bloat and pulpy kidney.
Team leader Animal Biosecurity and Welfare Ian Poe, Kempsey, said nitrate poisoning was a real possibility as a result of rapid growth following a period of stress, especially in winter pastures such as rye and oats.
Plants may accumulate nitrates to toxic levels, leading to losses through sudden death and abortion, he said.
High nitrate levels ultimately lead to an inability of the red blood cells to carry oxygen.
Clinical signs included diarrhoea, open mouth breathing and a staggering gait, although often animals are just found dead, Mr Poe said.
Bloat was a possibility on paddocks with a high clover content, which is now common across the Mid North Coast in particular, Mr Poe said.
“This rain was very unusual for August and it is still a bit cool for most summer pastures to kick on, especially in the more southern areas of the region,” he said.
Pulpy kidney, or enterotoxaemia, was also a risk when stock were grazing short, green rapidly growing pasture.
Producers should make sure their stock were up-to-date with five-in-one or seven-in-one vaccinations.
This risk was higher when hungry stock are introduced to risk pasture, Mr Poe said.
“Ensuring cattle have some gut fill prior to introduction by feeding hay will help and limit time spent grazing risky pasture,” he said.
“These diseases can be very costly and prevention really is the best solution.”
