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The first event in the new AHI series was held on the farm of Mark and Edna Moore, Ballinabracky, Co Meath. Mark finishes bulls for Kepak and animal health is very important to the successful running of his business.
“We try to keep animals as stress-free as possible and operate a vaccination programme for all purchased stock. We have also paid close attention to ventilation and recently made some alterations to sheds to increase ventilation,” Mark commented.
Teagasc beef specialist Aidan Murray explained about the importance of faecal sampling to avoid wormer resistance developing on farms.
“We have already seen at research level that there is evidence of Ivermectin resistance developing and potential overdosing of some categories of stock on farms,” he said. “Faecal sampling can potentially lead to a more targeted to dosing if used in consultation with your vet.”
Murray explained that spring-born suckled calves generally do not require dosing for gutworms until late in their first grazing season. On many farms, because of the low cost of wormers, this is taking place a lot earlier in the season and increasing the chances of wormer resistance developing.
AMR
Farmers need to ensure that they are treating the right animal with the right drug with the right dose for the right duration
Bran Leonard, vet to the Moore farm, detailed antimicrobial resistance and how it could become a problem for the industry if care wasn’t taken in relation to antibiotic use. Excessive use of antibiotics increases the development and spread of resistance and he told farmers that other areas such as management, ventilation and vaccination should be the first areas to look at to reduce animal health issues on farms.
“Farmers need to ensure that they are treating the right animal with the right drug with the right dose for the right duration,” he said.
The next event in the series takes place on the farm of Andy Boylan, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, on Tuesday 27 June at 11am.
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