While Mycoplasma bovis has captured headlines in the past 18 months, TB continues to be problematic in small pockets of the country particularly in the South Island.
Facial eczema is a seasonal scourge but genetic selection can help minimise the impact of this production-limiting disease in sheep.
Lamb post-mortems can reveal why lamb losses occur and can inform management decisions to help maximise lamb survival.
You may be aware a mixed dry-stock farm in the Tasman district has been confirmed as positive for Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis). It's the first time the disease has been found in this region.
B+LNZ have huge sympathy for the affected farmers and their families affected by the Mp.bovis outbreak. Our focus is on getting a clear direction about the future of the response as soon as possible and learning everything we can to avoid our farmers going through this again.
Farmers in Southland, South Otago and West Otago should check ryegrass pastures closely for evidence of ergot in seed heads. Avoid making balage/silage from infected pastures.
The discovery of Mycoplasma bovis in this country is a timely reminder for farmers to implement on-farm biosecurity practices to protect their businesses and livelihoods – and those of their neighbours.
This is not the year to be mating ewes on lucerne.
The discovery of Mycoplasma bovis in this country is serving as a reminder for farmers to implement on-farm biosecurity practices to protect their businesses and livelihoods, and those of their neighbours.
This season could be a bad one for Facial Eczema. Early spore counts, coupled with environmental conditions and weather forecasts, look ominous.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand is treating this outbreak extremely seriously and we are pleased to announce we have appointed Paul McCauley to support our farmers as part of the response to the disease.
Aim for a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 6-7 at mating.
