Sustainable farming - animal health

In a nutshell...

• Animals that are not healthy are not productive, and they add cost to the business.
• An animal health problem - whether it is acute or chronic is a good indicator that there is something wrong with overall farm management.
• This needs investigation as it's not sustainable.
• Check this by animal health costs per head of stock over the year, and when the peak costs arise.
• Animal health remedies are expensive - so prevention is always better and cheaper than cures.
• There is concern that the animal health remedies used in farming, (in particular antibiotics), are causing antibiotic resistance in humans.  Pharmaceutical companies deny this but the debate continues.
• Sick animals cause serious animal welfare issues by contravening the Animal Welfare Act 1999.

How can you tell if you have a problem?

• Sick and suffering animals on the farm - and especially in view of the public.
• Poor stock performance, well below the district average.
• Stock that show abnormal patters of behaviour, eg they are always anxious to escape to find feed, and they graze much longer than normal, seeking a fill.
• Poor pastures all the year round.
• No fertilisers used.
• Young stock showing ill thrift, especially in autumn.
• No planned animal health programme.
• Indiscriminate and uniformed use of animal health remedies.
• "Off-label" use of animal remedies.
• No knowledge by staff of withholding periods for drugs.
• Use of unregistered animal health remedies which is illegal.
• Cupboards cluttered with old animal remedies that are out of date.
• Drenches for internal parasites that are not effective - a sign of drench resistance.
• Animal health remedies not kept in a secure place.
• No records kept of animal health remedies.
• Very poor prices obtained for stock presented at saleyards.
• Unexplained purchase of capital stock replacements to make up numbers.
• Regular visits of stock disposal operator.

How can you tell if you're doing well?

• Stock on the farm always looking healthy and contented.
• No dead stock to be seen anywhere.
• High levels of stock performance, well above the district average.
• Young stock in particular that do well and don't show autumn ill thrift.
• A good fertiliser programme growing healthy productive pasture all year round.
• Stock that remain in good condition even during drought and in winter.
• Stock that are fully fed and show normal patterns of behaviour while grazing.
• No sign of internal parasite drench resistance.
• All staff very conscious of withholding periods for drugs and exceed them to be sure of avoiding penalties.
• Low veterinary bills per head of stock.
• No sign of stocks are animal remedies that have been stockpiled and are out of date.
• An overall farm animal health programme reviewed with farm veterinarian each year.
• No particular seasonal peak when vet costs are high.
• Good prices achieved for all stock (finished or store) offered for sale.
• No purchases of capital stock to replace losses.
• Use of registered animal remedies that are kept in a secure place.
• Comprehensive records kept of all animal remedies use on the farm.

What can you do to improve things?

• Have an annual review of animal health for your farm with a veterinarian.
• Be aware of when peak animal health costs occur and work to reduce them.
• Keep stock well fed and in good condition and this will reduce animal health costs.
• Use scales to check performance of stock.
• Keep a detailed diary of all animal health remedies used on the farm.  You will need this for consultations with your vet and to complete documentation when stock are send for slaughter.
• Be particularly aware of the withholding periods for drugs and exceed them to be sure of avoiding penalties.
• Be aware of the costs of animal health per head of stock.  Compare this with the district average.
• Do not stockpile animal remedies that are not needed.
• Ensure all animal remedies are stored safely and out of the reach of children.
• Always follow the instructions in the use of animal remedies.
• Do not use unlicensed animal remedies and beware of using drugs "off label" unless directed by your veterinarian.
• Pay special attention to general farm hygiene.  All dead stock disposed of rapidly by appropriate means.
• Don't let trucks visit the farm and deposit accumulated dung and urine from other farms.
• Make sure visitors from other farms disinfect their boots before visiting your stock.
• Check that dead and diseased stock do not arrive on your property via waterways.
• Double fence the boundary to your farm to prevent nose-to-nose and aerosol contact with neighbouring stock.
• Ensure all staff are trained in the basics of animal health, and in particular are aware of what to do if they suspect exotic disease.
• Put the exotic disease emergency number up for all to see 0800-809-966.
• Make sure staff are aware of their responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act 1999.

Where can you go for help?

• Regional Councils
• County Councils
• Federated Farmers of NZ
• Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
• Department of Conservation
• Animal Health Board