The North Coast Local Land Services District Veterinarian team is providing advice for producers on management of their livestock’s health and welfare following this year’s major flood event and ongoing wet conditions.

Mastitis is a key issue that livestock producers should watch for in wet seasons. Jocelyn Todd, District Veterinarian said, “Mastitis can be a major cause of problems for livestock following a flood event, but there are a range of management practices to decrease the incidence of disease. 

“Although mastitis is normally an issue limited to dairy cows, in extended wet periods, beef cows are also at risk.”

Prevention strategies for mastitis in both beef and dairy cows include:

• calving in the driest paddock available – avoid flooded or muddy lane areas,
• closer observation of beef cows post-calving to identify and treat any cases,
• cleaning teats prior to milking with running water and drying each individual cow with paper towel,
• daily strip testing to enable early detection and treatment of any clinical cases, early detection increases the chance of an effective cure and decreases the spread of infection to other cows, and
• teat disinfection – post milk spraying or dipping.

Treatment is often necessary for mastitis and is undertaken in consultation with your private veterinarian.

If you have any concerns regarding the health of your livestock or would like more information regarding animal health risks following the floods, please contact either your private veterinarian or the North Coast Local Land Services District Veterinarian team on 1300 795 299.