Watch out for bacterial infection
YERSINIOSIS, also known as flood mud scours, is a condition seen during wet winters on the North Coast.
With an increase in surface water in many areas and cool weather, farmers are being warned to watch for this disease.
Caused by a bacterial infection in the intestine flood mud scours or Yersiniosis can cause severe diarrhoea and death in cattle.
The bacteria can be carried by a range of animals including cattle, rodents, and birds. Infected animals shed the bacteria in their faeces.
Animals stressed from low nutrition or parasite burdens are more likely to become affected.
Cattle aged between nine months and four years are most affected. However, district vets have recently diagnosed the disease in older animals.
Some cattle die suddenly with no signs, but it is more common to observe cattle lethargic, off feed, dehydrated and with profuse watery diarrhoea before death.
Early treatment with an appropriate antibiotic gets the best results. Talk to your private veterinarian or the Local Land Services District Vet team on 1300 795 299.
