Looking After Sheep Following Wet Weather

Local Land Services say sheep graziers across the state are battling mosquitoes, worms, flies and lameness in flocks from the continued wet and unseasonably cool conditions.

The organisation is encouraging graziers to continue closely monitoring sheep flocks and implement preventative measures.

South East Local Land Services Regional Agricultural Landcare Facilitator, Marien Stark, said livestock growth rates would likely be suppressed by the ongoing wet, cooler conditions.

“In the Tablelands region of the South East, wool quality is expected to be compromised due to the excessive wet conditions with sheep more likely to experience fleece rot/green wool.”

Riverina Local Land Services District Veterinarian Dr Dione Howard said their team had been working with landholders to diagnose lameness issues, discuss flystrike and worm prevention strategies and reduce the risk of metabolic disease associated with severe weather events.

“If producers have lame sheep the cause of lameness should be diagnosed to make sure the most effective treatment is used," Dr Howard said.

Managing livestock in ongoing wet conditions is challenging and Land Care encourages people to contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 to discuss sheep flock management.

• Topics:

• Animal Health
• Agriculture
• Floods