LIVESTOCK producers are being reminded prevention is always better than cure when it comes to disease management.
Recent wet weather and warm temperatures have created ideal environments for the development of animal health problems, which can impact on business productivity through stock losses, condemnation, downgrading and in rare instances, death.
Cattle and sheep producers should review their worm management program, and consider the need for fecal egg counts to be performed.
Other diseases presently of concern include footrot, fly strike and redgut in sheep.
Chief veterinary officer Roger Paskin said strong on-farm biosecurity was the first line of defence.
“The good news is that many diseases are preventable so producers should do everything reasonable to protect the health of their animals,” he said.
“Simple steps such as paddock and equipment hygiene, vaccinations, monitoring for signs of ill health and seeking professional advice, really do help to contain animal health problems.”