SPRING THINGS 2008
For all of you with cattle and other grazers, it is during spring that our herbivores struggle. At this time of year there is little to no nutrition in the bit of grass or standing straw you may have in the paddock.
Because of this a lot of animals will go for green and this leads them to all the vast variety of poisonous plants we have in the district. The animals most at risk are cattle as they have a rumen and this breaks down the vegetation and releases the toxins. Other animals are also at risk but as their digestive system is not as efficient they are usually less affected.
One of the most common in cattle is lantana poisoning. In this district it is the red flowering shrub that is toxic. They are not as apparent as the pink lantana as the bush is smaller and often in under and around the edges of the larger pink bushes.
Others to be aware of are bracken fern, poison peach, noogoora burr and the solanum range of plants (wild tobacco is one).
NOT ALL POISONINGS CAN BE TREATED.
Clean paddocks are the best prevention. Young or introduced stock are most at risk as the older long-term animals have usually learnt what to avoid. All stock are at risk when there is little-to-no feed before the weather heats up and we start to get real growth in the grasses.
If you suspect that your animal has been eating a poisonous plant or you need identification of plants in you paddock then contact your local vet.
For cattle owners now is also the time to think about vaccination for BEF (or Three Day Sickness). This disease usually follows the onset of buffalo fly. It is carried by insects and the cattle get it when bitten. The animals appear to have flu like symptoms- high temperature and swollen joints (one leg one day then maybe a different leg next). This disease can be fatal if the animals have a high temperature and go down in the sun. It is also very important that BEF be avoided in bulls, as the high temperature can cause infertility for several months.
There is a vaccine available for animals and although not always 100% effective will reduce the severity of the disease.
Once again if you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact your local vet.
Cheers from the Dayboro Vets
