It’s quite a few years since we had a case of Mycoplasma bovis but it is back with us this year. I see they are mounting a total eradication programme in New Zealand but it’s far too pervasive on farms in Ireland to consider such a strategy here.

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that we had a few unusual accidents with the heavy bulls approaching full slaughter weight. It never struck me that it was the Mycoplasma bovis but when I called out a specialist vet, he had no doubts – the characteristic lack of mobility and swollen joints, but feet OK.

The response to normal antibiotics is poor to non-existent and the chance of a cure of three cattle affected is close to zero. It seems the trigger of the disease is stress as much as anything else. I suspect some element of tight stocking and slippery slats in wet weather contributing to the problem.

We have loosened up the cattle coming near slaughter and hopefully the problem will not re-emerge. It’s a soul-destroying sight, and expensive, to have to put down almost-finished cattle.

An interesting observation was made by one informed visitor we had. He looked at the various components of the diet and was highly critical that the wheaten straw we were using in the feeder was of inferior quality and possibly had some toxins in it. Given the difficulties getting straw baled last year, he may have had a point.

In any event, we have switched to this year’s oaten straw which is a deep, rich golden colour. It’s too early to say if there is an improvement in the cattle but I am more comfortable with it.

Meanwhile, the winter barley is pretty well all peeping above ground. The oilseed rape has mostly filled out the gaps with the field being a uniform green.

In the dry weather last week, we got the seed wheat sown and rolled in excellent conditions. With the weather we have been having, everyone is anxious to get sowing done ahead of the forecast rain and everyone is under pressure at this stage so if we are forced to delay the oats by a week, I won’t object.

We also got the commercial wheat sown this week. Looking up my crop records, we are more than a week ahead of last year.

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Farmer writes: tackling mycoplasma bovis in New Zealand