We have certainly welcomed the rain, filling our dams, creeks and rivers, as well as providing growth to the grasses and crops that feed our stock. However, as a result there are some extra things to be cautious of.
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The growth of toxic plants and fungi, in particular pigweed, red capped mushrooms, and heliotrope. These can be appealing to hungry stock or inquisitive pets.
Green pick with its high moisture, high sugar and low energy content poses two threats: a lack of energy to sustain heavily pregnant stock, and the perfect conditions for pulpy kidney. We advise a booster vaccination in these high risk conditions. Laminitis in our equine counterparts is also common during these conditions.
Don't forget about those pesky worms. Due to the prolonged hot and dry conditions worm populations have significantly reduced over the past few months. However, the current conditions are perfect for the development of barbers pole worm, particularly in sheep flocks. This species of worm can reproduce extremely fast and cause death via anaemia in a very short period of time. The key is to monitor your flock's worm burden by regular faecal egg counts. We at Crookwell Vets perform this testing on a regular basis with same day results. Please come and have a chat to us in regards to worm testing and drenching.
The rain may also be accompanied by storms and cold snaps. Make sure livestock have adequate shelter during these periods as stock may be in lighter body condition than normal, and unable to regulate their body temperature well, particularly if recently shorn.