Disease Free Flock Workshop

INTESTINAL worms are the number one health problem for sheep and goats in Australia with production losses of $4 to $10 per sheep, stock deaths and parasite drug resistance is increasing.

To help local farmers combat the deadly parasites Stephen Love, state worm control coordinator and parasitologist from NSW Department of Primary Industries will present at Tocal next week.

Kylie Greentree, district veterinarian for Hunter Local Land Services 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,” said Ms Greentree.

“If untreated, some of these can cause severe loss of condition, ill thrift, scouring, anaemia or even death,” she said.

“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.

According to the 2015 Annual Land and Stock Return figures there are approximately 1200 properties in the Hunter with sheep or goats a number which is growing.

Integrated pest management will be discussed as alternatives to chemicals worm treatments and 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, bio-security and pest animal control.

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 and bookings are required.

To register, contact the Hunter Local Land Services Maitland Saleyards office on 02 4932 8866.