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Keep up to date with all our latest news, articles of interest, and case studies from the veterinary world around Hawke’s Bay, Dannevirke, and the Wairarapa.

green grass field under blue sky during daytime

Farm Field Day

Congratulations to Brent & Rachael Fouhy, and Ben Simpson – the Tararua Sheep & Beef Farm Business of The Year 2022 Join their field day on Thursday 3rd November.

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selective focus photography of cow

Facial Eczema Weekly Monitor – February 24, 2021

Hi everyone, The hot weather we have seen recently have caused facial eczema spore counts to start rising. The samples collected this week has shown counts are rising to moderate levels across the region, therefore it is important to ensure you are underway with preventative measures. After several weeks of moderately elevated spore counts there is a real risk of accumulative subclinical liver damage occuring in your stock along with…

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Facial Eczema Monitor 2023

Week ending 3 February  This weeks monitor counts showing most sites have dropped with the rain but Kumeroa remains high. It is important to remember counts can be highly variable between properties and even paddocks so please bring in a grass sample for testing prior to grazing previously problematic areas of your property. Attached is…

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Facial Eczema Monitor 2022

Low levels <30,000 spores/gram High levels 35,000 – 95,000 spores/gram Long term exposure to high levels can results in facial eczema symptoms. Dangerous Levels 100,000 spores/gram   If you’re putting the ram out in the next few weeks, consider treating rams and ewes with zinc capsules to protect sheep in case spore counts rise during…

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white sheep on green grass during daytime

Facial Eczema Monitor – 22 April 2021

We have seen counts climb across our monitor farms over the last few weeks of mild Autumn weather. Stock on pastures exceeding 100,000 spores are at a high risk of displaying clinical photosensitisation symptoms and accumulative subclinical liver damage. Give us a call if you see any photosensitisation symptoms in your stock or you need…

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EQUINE INSURANCE – SHOULD I BOTHER?

It’s a question that’s come up time and time again for me over the last year or two. Often, clients will explain that their horses or ponies are not worth very much money, and so they don’t think it’s worthwhile. I thought I’d put together some of the aspects to consider, and some of the…

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ENCYSTED STRONGYLES – SMALL WORMS, BIG PROBLEMS

Johnny Atkins BVSc Vet Services Dannevirke ‘Small Strongyles’ or ‘Cyathostomes’ are the terms used for a group of over forty different species of parasites affecting horses. They tend to be the most prevalent parasite within the horses’ gastrointestinal tract and although small, heavy burdens can result in big problems! Unlike their cousins the ‘large strongyles’,…

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Ear Disease

Duck shooting doesn’t seem to cause many concerns for our canine companions, usually only a few cuts and bruises that are insignificant compared to the enjoyment derived from the exercise. However getting damp in water for long periods can give rise to a flare up of ear disease (otitis externa). Some dogs seem prone to…

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Dogs in Hot Cars – New regulations

New regulations are in force meaning that if you leave your dog in a parked car and it is showing signs of heat distress you can receive a fine and a broken car window. Dogs quickly suffer and die in hot cars, so please leave your dogs at home. If you leave a dog in…

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