Spring is approaching. Unfortunately, spring-like conditions can sometimes result in livestock health issues.
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With abundant spring growth, losses due to enterotoxaemia may be more likely.
Enterotoxaemia is caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium bacteria.
These bacteria are found in the bowel of normal, healthy cattle and sheep.
Enterotoxaemia can occur when a large amount of readily fermentable feed is present in the bowel, leading to these bacteria multiplying rapidly and producing a lethal amount of toxin.
Enterotoxaemia is caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium bacteria.
Due to the rapid progression of the disease, an animal affected by enterotoxaemia will typically be found dead in the paddock.
On post-mortem, rapid decomposition of the carcass is seen.
Young stock up to two years of age, and that are in good condition, are most commonly affected; however deaths may also occur in older livestock.
Little can be done to treat an animal already affected by enterotoxaemia, and so the emphasis must be on preventing this condition.
The key to prevention is to ensure all your livestock are adequately protected through vaccination.
As with any vaccination program, adult cows and ewes should be vaccinated approximately one month prior to calving, to give their calves and lambs maternal or passive immunity through colostrum.
Passive immunity lasts approximately six weeks, after which calves and lambs need to be vaccinated twice, with an interval of about four to six weeks (refer to manufacturer's directions).
Most vaccines provide around 12 months of protection and should therefore be given annually.
A feature of the enterotoxaemia vaccine is that the duration of immunity that it provides may be quite short. It may only give three or four months of protection.
Therefore, it is important for each livestock owner to consider the most effective times to vaccinate their herds or flocks.
This may include a booster dose given before high-risk periods such as the beginning of spring.
For further advice please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary officer or animal health officer, or in NSW, please contact your Local Land Services.
Dr Jeff Cave, District Veterinary Officer, Wodonga