Farmers across the Hunter Valley are urged to tackle the potentially devastating leptospirosis with exposure now detected on 60 per cent of NSW farms.
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For the first time in 45 years, the Local Land Service has conducted a survey that examined the risk of the deadly infection in cattle on the state’s farms.
“There is a misconception that leptospirosis is only a risk in wet, dairy regions of Australia,” Local Land Services district veterinarian Dr Jillian Kelly said.
“However, our research clearly demonstrates that exposure to the disease has been found on a high proportion of beef cattle farms in areas of NSW, regardless of rainfall.”
Leptospirosis can affect the reproductive performance of cattle and result in aborted calves in pregnant cattle. It can also be transferred to humans, manifesting in severe influenza-like symptoms and in worst-case scenarios, be fatal.
“Many producers in our area do not vaccinate for leptospirosis because of a lack of knowledge about the consequences of the disease, and a perception that our environmental conditions are too dry and extensive to have it,” Dr Kelly said.
“But leptospirosis can be devastating for a beef cattle herd’s reproductive performance and whilst our research was conducted in Central West NSW, it’s highly likely that the results would be relevant for other areas of NSW and beyond.
“That’s why it’s important for producers in the Hunter Valley and New England regions to be aware of this issue, so they can make informed decisions about the best vaccination programs needed to protect their herd and wider farms.”
Since the last study of this type in 1968, farming practices and conditions have changed considerably, including higher numbers of animals that can spread leptospirosis, such as feral pigs.
“In fact, 45 per cent of farmers who took part in the research stated the number of feral pigs on their farms was high,” Dr Kelly said.