The new season is just around the corner and hopefully with it comes some spring growth but unfortunately, good conditions can sometimes produce some extra worries.
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With lush spring growth, losses due to enterotoxaemia and bloat can be a distinct possibility.
Enterotoxaemia is caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium bacteria, which is found in the bowel of normal, healthy cattle and sheep.
Enterotoxaemia occurs when a large amount of readily-fermentable feed is present in the bowel, leading to rapid multiplication of the bacteria and a lethal level of toxin production.
Due to the rapid progression of the disease, an animal affected by enterotoxaemia will typically be found dead in the paddock. On post-mortem, rapid decomposition of the carcass is seen.
Young stock in good condition up to two years of age are most commonly affected, however deaths may also occur in older stock
With lush spring growth, losses due to enterotoxaemia and bloat can be a distinct possibility.
Little can be done to treat an animal already affected by enterotoxaemia, therefore the emphasis should be on prevention.
The key to prevention is to ensure all livestock are adequately protected through vaccination.
As with any vaccination program, adult cows and ewes should be vaccinated approximately one month prior to calving, to give their calves and lambs maternal or passive immunity through colostrum.
Passive immunity lasts approximately six weeks after which calves and lambs need to be vaccinated to gain an active immunity by two injections at least four weeks apart.
Most vaccines provide around 12 months of protection and should therefore be given annually.
A feature of the enterotoxaemia vaccine is that the duration of immunity that it provides may be quite short. It may only give three or four months of protection.
Therefore, a booster dose should be given before a high-risk period ie. the beginning of spring.
For further advice please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria Veterinary Officer or Animal Health Officer, or in NSW please contact your Local Land Services.
