Asia is home to ~65% of the world’s pigs, with 50% of them in China. The recent introduction of African Swine Fever (ASF) may reduce pork production out of China by a staggering 30% (15% of the world’s pork production!).

This is a stark reminder why we all need to be on the lookout for exotic disease while on farm. You never know when or how it may arrive. As illustrated by Minister Littleproud’s media release, this year fragments of the viruses that cause both African Swine Fever (ASF) and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) have been detected in illegal foodstuffs seized at the border. Declared and seized pork jerky, sausages and pork products were collected over two periods – 3 December to 16 December 2018 and 21 January to 3 February 2019 and sent to the Australian Animal Health Laboratory for testing.

During both periods, ASF virus fragments were detected in the seized product. Testing confirmed six samples out of 152 contained ASF virus fragments in the first period, and that a further 40 samples out of 283 were contaminated with ASF virus fragments from the second period. Further testing was carried out on the products collected during the second period to assess the risk of FMD. Two samples out of 283 have been found to be contaminated with FMD virus fragments with one further sample being inconclusive.

As stated in his media release studies have estimated $50 billion of economic losses over ten years if there were a large to medium outbreak of FMD in Australia. Affected material has been destroyed and poses no further threat. These results do not change Australia's ASF-free and FMD-free status.

This is a reminder to all of us the importance of biosecurity measures at the border, and on farm!

It is important to understand the normal calving process to know when to intervene. The normal calving process is divided into 3 stages of labour, as follows ...

Stage 1 - This is where the soft tissues of the birth canal dilate in preparation for calving.

Stage 2 - In this stage, the cow will lie down with active contractions until the calf is delivered. Average of 70 minutes in a normal calving with progress seen every 15 – 20 minutes.

Stage 3 - this is the expulsion of the placenta and should be complete within 24 hours of calving.

Signs of trouble calving and when to intervene

+ Slow progress of expelling the calf in stage 2 i.e. no further progress after 20 minutes

+ If 2 hours of labour has passed without complete delivery

+ Presence of the water bag or feet without any further progress of calving

+ Where it can be seen that the calf is not in the correct position. Examples of this include if only one leg can be seen outside the vulva

+ If you can see yellow fluid coming out (meconium)

Tips for assisting a cow that is having trouble calving

+ Always clean the vulva and perineum before having a feeling inside

+ Use plenty of lube

+ Do not try to pull it out unless you are sure it is in the correct position!

+ When using mechanical calf pullers, force should never be excessive - the calf will come with steady traction providing it is not too big and in the correct position

When is it time to call the vet?

+ If you have tried for 30 minutes and the calf is not out

+ If you can feel that the calf is not in the correct position and you are unable to correct it

+ If the calf is not progressing out despite using steady pulling/ traction with the calf in the correct position - likely indicates too big to come out without veterinary intervention

Tetanus is a life-threatening neurological disease of horses caused by a toxin. Clostridial bacteria, commonly found in soil, can infect your horse through wounds, the mouth and the intestines. Once infection is established the bacteria produce the deadly tetanus toxin which spreads around the body.

Signs of tetanus include: stiffness of the head and neck, over-reacting to stimulation, unsteady movement, increased breathing and general pain.

Treatment of tetanus is hit-and-miss, however vaccination is extremely effective in preventing the disease. The most commonly used tetanus vaccine is combined with the strangles vaccine and known as a 2 in 1. 

+ Two initial intramuscular injections are given four weeks apart, followed by a booster 12 months later

+ Boosters every 4 to 5 years will maintain protection for tetanus

+ Foals should be vaccinated at 3 months of age and pregnant mares should be given a booster 4 weeks prior to foaling

+ Non-vaccinated horses can be given a tetanus anti-toxin to provide immediate but short-term protection if required

Call us for expert advice on protecting your horses against this heartbreaking disease.