Stock problems after a flood: a checklist for when it dries out

Series: Agnote DAI-216  Edition: First edition  Last updated: 17 Feb 2005

DISCLAIMER

The product trade names in this publication are supplied on the understanding that no preference between equivalent products is intended and that inclusion of a product does not imply endorsement by NSW DPI over any other equivalent product from another manufacturer.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL

Users of agricultural (or veterinary) chemical products must always read the label and any Permit before using the product, and strictly comply with the directions on the label and the conditions of any Permit. Users are not absolved from compliance with the directions on the label or the conditions of the Permit by reason of any statement made or not made in this publication.

Feed

  • Are your stock getting enough hay or grain in their ration to provide energy for late pregnancy or lactation?
  • Are stock suffering from cold stress?
  • Is there enough roughage to discourage stock from eating weeds that may be harmful?
  • Have you removed baling twine from food drop zones, to prevent stock injury and wool contamination? (Refer to Agnote DAI-217 Cleaning up fodder drop zones after a flood.)

Fences

  • Have other stock been boxed with yours? They may have footrot or lice.
  • Is your boundary secure?

Flies

When a flood occurs, blowflies and strike in sheep will be a greater or lesser problem depending on shearing date, blood line (susceptibility) and whether the flood has occurred in cooler or warmer months.

When susceptible sheep are saturated to the skin by heavy rain or floodwaters, resultant fleece rot or dermo will attract blowflies if the weather stays warm.

If farmers are able to quickly get to sheep after floodwaters recede and before flies become active, use of a spray or a product based on cyromazine (such as Vetrazin® spray-on) or dicyclanil (such as Clik®) could be used to give long-term protection.

If sheep have already been struck, a product based on diflubenzuron, such as Fleece Care® or Strike®, could be applied by hand jetting. Producers should follow instructions on the label when using chemicals.

For further information, see External parasites.

Fleece

Consider shearing as soon as possible. Tender and water-damaged wools incur discounts. If you are shearing early, consider the long-term implications of a new shearing time in your future farm management.

Worms

After heavy rain or flooding, worms can be a significant problem. Dont guess WormTest! (worm egg count). For more information on sheep worm control, see the following Agnotes:

See: Internal parasites.

Pulpy kidney

There is a risk for unvaccinated lambs and weaners grazing lush pasture growth following the receding floodwaters.

Vaccination with 6-in-1 against pulpy kidney and other clostridial diseases is very effective and should be carried out as soon as it is practical to do so.

Bloat

Likewise, bloat will appear if the weather stays warm. The most dangerous pastures are clovers and lucerne.

Weeds

Watch for prolific growth of weeds, especially any unusual plants.

Heartworm

Heartworm will be spreading among your dogs due to mosquito build-up. Your local veterinarian can provide advice on methods of prevention.

Further information

Further information on the above topics and general advice on post-flood management is available from your nearest office of NSW DPI.