Hunter sheep and goat owners can obtain practical advice on how to prevent deadly intestinal parasites and keep their stock disease free at an information session being delivered at Tocal on Wednesday, September 7.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The free event will assist producers and breeders to reduce economic loss by preventing and managing risks posed to sheep and goats, including internal parasites (worms) and endemic diseases.
Hunter Local Land Services District Veterinarian Kylie Greentree said sheep and goats are more susceptible to internal parasites than most other types of farm livestock.
“Sheep and goats are prone to many different internal parasites. If untreated, some of these can cause severe loss of condition, ill thrift, scouring, anaemia or even death,” Ms Greentree said.
There are approximately 1200 properties in the Hunter with sheep or goats according to Hunter Local Land Services’ 2015 Annual Land and Stock Return figures.
“Worms are the number one health problem for sheep and goats across Australia, resulting in huge unseen production losses of between $4-10 on average per sheep, not to mention stock deaths on top of this,” Ms Greentree said.
“Issues from internal parasites are a constant problem for anyone keeping sheep or goats, especially as the level of parasite drug resistance increases.
“This event is designed to allow sheep and goat producers, breeders and owners to brush up on best practice worm control methods and new recommendations to maintain parasites and prevent any illness or economic loss,” she said.
Guest speaker Stephen Love, NSW State Worm Control Coordinator and Parasitologist from NSW Department of Primary Industries, will deliver the presentation.
Integrated pest management will be discussed as alternatives to chemicals worm treatments.
The event will also cover endemic diseases such as Footrot, Caprine arthritis and encephalitis (CAE) and Johne’s disease, as well as doe and ewe health in preparation for kidding/lambing, biosecurity and pest animal control. The importance of annual rates, the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) and Property Identification Codes (PICs) will also be discussed.
“The event aims to assist landholders to reduce the risk of their sheep and goats becoming infected with disease and spreading infection to others,” Ms Greentree said.
“The number of sheep and goat owners in the area is always increasing due to our peri-urban landscape and all landholders who have sheep or goats, be it one or many, are encouraged to attend.”
The Sheep and Goat Information Session will be held at Ruminant Animal Training Centre at the Tocal Dairy from 9am to 12.30pm. Lunch will be provided. Bookings are required.
To register, contact the Hunter Local Land Services Maitland Saleyards office on (02) 4932 8866.