Even if successfully managed infection can substantially increase overall treatment costs and can negatively affect the outcome both functionally and cosmetically. Avoiding all or any of these outcomes by using appropriate pain management and antibacterial therapy will, in many cases, lead to faster fracture repair, earlier discharge from hospital and a smaller bill for the client. Veterinary medicine continues to make advances in equine anaesthesia and fracture repair, resulting in more successful surgical outcomes and many patients returning to an athletic career. However, the overall success depends largely on the type and location of the fracture, the quality of emergency care the horse receives in the field and nursing care post-surgery. As a result tissue fatigue, damage and necrosis are thought to occur. Combined with the increased pull on the distal phalanx, due to increased tension on the deep digital flexor tendon, during excessive weight bearing, these factors are believed to contribute to the separation of the sensitive and insensitive laminae within the hoof. Whilst this theory is attractive there are others and there is ongoing research in this area, not only to help explain how support limb laminitis occurs, but how to treat it. As with all forms of laminitis, the most important treatment is prevention. Since duration of unilateral weight-bearing is the largest risk factor every effort should be taken to promote normal weight bearing as quickly as possible. Fracture patients should have deep and comfortable bedding in their stable, preferably with non-slip flooring, to encourage them to lie down and take the weight off their feet. Implant infection is the most common complication of orthopaedic surgery in horses, infection rates vary based on the type of surgery, surgical technique (open reduction versus minimally invasive techniques), degree of fragmentation and soft tissue damage. For arthroscopic surgery in horses with minor fractures, the expected infection rate is only 0.1-0.5% whereas complicated fractures necessitating open reduction and internal fixation rates can reach 10-30% 51 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22
Care of my ponies while living by the beach Sarah Harvey, a horse and pony owner who has grown up living and working with one of the most clever and beautiful domesticated animals in Most horses due to their circumstances rely on us for their Veterinary care including parasite prevention. everyday needs, therefore it is our responsibility as owners of these animals to insure we do our best to provide them with the Worming your horse is extremely important. Horses are exposed most appropriate care possible. to intestinal worms from the ground they graze on. Carrying a There are a few basic requirements that horses and ponies need: heavy burden of worms can cause serious illness or death in equines. • Regular supply of water, roughage and concentrate There is a very real problem developing in the equestrian world feed when required. where the worms that horses carry are becoming resistant to the • Veterinary care including parasite prevention. wormers, we use to treat them. Rather than buying a wormer every • Exercise. 3 months it is now advised that you carry out a worm test first to • Shelter. establish the amount and type of worms the horse is carrying. • Hoof maintenance. This is done by sending a very small sample of their dung to a I’m just going to briefly discuss some of these requirements. veterinary practice which offers this service. Prices start at only €7, and it makes much more sense to know what you are treating Feeding concentrates: and buy the correct wormer to treat. Quite often horses don’t require a wormer every 3 months but possibly only once or twice a year. Feeding a horse can become complicated. There are so many Horses should receive a flu and tetanus vaccination once a year. different feeds available. The main thing to remember is that This means a visit from or to your vet every year to keep up to every horse is different, and you must carefully consider the type, date with these vaccinations. Initially there are three vaccinations age and condition of the horse, the amount of work they are doing spread out over 7 months and thereafter, one, once a year. If you and the situation they are being kept in. don’t keep up with the yearly vaccination, then you must start the As a general rule young horses need a feed that will promote program all over again. Talk to your vet to get advice. their growth and development. As they get older and start to work Vets will also provide or advise on routine dental care. Medical this may change to a feed that gives them more energy as well as emergencies, which are always an unfortunate possibility, can helping them to develop and mature. happen and can cost a lot to treat. A balancer is a good feed for all horses and ponies. It provides them with all the nutrients, minerals, and vitamins they need in one concentrated feed, especially in wintertime when they may not have access to good quality grass. Other feeds can be added to the balancer depending on what is required. As a horse gets older it is worth noting that there are Senior feeds available to help with joint mobility, digestion etc. All feed manufactures have a nutritionist working with them and they are usually more than happy to answer any questions you have relating to feeding concentrates. Exercise: Exercise is an important part of a horse’s life and is essential for horses that are stabled. The amount and type of necessary exercise will be dependent on the breed of horse, the work required from it, and the conditions in which it is kept. If you are lucky enough to live near a beach this is a great facility to give you and your horse a different experience. They can enjoy the freedom of cantering along the beach as a treat, but it can also be used to school horses, its like having a supersized arena! However, care must be taken as beaches have plenty of hazards, like sudden soft spots which can cause injuries especially when galloping. Another benefit of the beach is of course the sea. When you exercise in water the increase and depth of the water encourages a horse to use themselves more and stretch over their back helping to strengthen muscles. The cold temperature and salt content of sea water is known to sooth injuries and help heal skin problems. Going to the beach or any other safe water that is suitable for horses provides a change of scenery and is great to help young horses relax when travelling as they learn that going in the horsebox is not always associated with the pressure of competing. 52 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22
Next course: Date: 12th -14th December 2022 Venue: Atlantic Technological University, Mountbellew, Co Galway 53 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22
Prevent costly rodent damage and con- trol infestations in as few as seven days Helen Hall, Key Account Manager at BASF Rats and mice can cause all kinds of problems for Irish farmers, What’s more, cholecalciferol is readily metabolised, not contaminating grain stores and animal feed, damaging buildings persistent in the environment and non-bioaccumulative, and machinery, and spreading disease. In fact, it is estimated that meaning there is no build-up of rodenticides within the one rat eats and contaminates 100 kg of stored grain and feed body. This means that Selontra® balances performance and annually, with 200 rats destroying a massive 20 tons – that’s a environmental impact. lot of profit to be losing with current market costs! And with rats carrying 45 diseases, not only does an infestation pose huge Despite this, it goes without saying that all non-target species C financial loss, but it also presents a serious risk to the biosecurity should be prevented from accessing the rodenticide bait, either M of the whole food chain. by using secure bait boxes or a covered and protected approach, Y A recent rodent control survey by pest control solutions attaching bait to an object and covering with a sturdy item such CM manufacturer, BASF, showed that 92 % of farmers have used as palettes, timber or tyres. MY rodenticides on their farm in the last year, but with so many Frequent searching for and disposing of dead rodents CY rodenticides on the market, how do you choose which bait is throughout the rodenticide treatment helps to prevent CMY best? secondary poisoning, and ensuring all bait is removed following K From anticoagulants to non-anticoagulants, and hard blocks, the treatment plan is essential. soft blocks, pellets, paste and grain available, is can be difficult To help raise awareness of rodenticide resistance and encourage to decide which is the most effective solution. One of the most best practice across Irish farms, BASF has launched a new digital important factors to consider, though, is the speed of control. portal offering farmers an interactive rodent control training Anticoagulant rodenticides usually take 21 - 28 days to control programme. an infestation, which means that these risks of damage, loss and contamination continue to occur around a site for some weeks The Real Results Virtual Farm CPD portal, which has been after the initial treatment. BASF has introduced a new non- developed in partnership with experienced industry instructor anticoagulant rodenticide, Selontra®, to combat this, using the and rodent infestation problem-solver, Oliver Madge, guides active ingredient cholecalciferol to stop rodents in their tracks. users through various modules exploring different areas of rodent control, before completing the CRRU-recognised exam for The soft block bait causes death from hypercalcaemia; the the Safe Use of Rodenticides. accumulation of too much calcium in the blood. This results in rodents stopping feeding, on both the bait and any available Find out more about Selontra® and gain your Certificate for food on the farm, 24 hours after consuming a lethal dose, quickly Responsible Rodenticide Use at www.basf-ruralhygiene.com putting a stop to contamination, damage to the site and loss of Find out if you are in an area of known rodenticide resistance by earnings. visiting https://rrac.info/ Thanks to its fast-acting results, Selontra® offers the added To find out more and become a certified Selontra® user at benefit of further reducing the likelihood of any accidental https://www.training.selontra.com/ exposure to non-target species, as the baits can be applied on site for shorter-periods of time – typically no more than seven days. This also means that farmers’ valuable time can be spent focusing on their many other daily tasks. Resistance to rodenticides is also a growing issue across Ireland, with many rats showing resistance to first generation baits and second-generation anticoagulant baits containing difenacoum and bromadiolone as the active. This means that many farmers using anticoagulant baits may be unknowingly contributing to the spread of “super rats” on their farms, breeding more rats with the mutated gene. With no known resistance to Selontra®’s active, cholecalciferol, farmers can gain complete control of a colony quickly, breaking the cycle of resistance. 54 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22
Now HACCP certified Switch to Selontra® © 2018 BASF Corporation. Selontra® is a registered trademark of BASF. All rights reserved. Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use. The speed baiting technology • Stop rodent damage quickly • Rodent-free in as few as 7 days • Balancing performance and environmental impact • Breaks the cycle of resistance www.agricentre.basf.ie 55 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22
Addressing Johne’s Disease into the future Liam Doyle, Johne’s disease Programme Manager, Animal Health Ireland Johne’s disease is a bacterial disease of cattle and other ruminants for which there is no cure. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), hence the other name for the disease “Paratuberculosis”. Following a pilot programme the voluntary Irish Johne’s Control programme was launched in October2017; with Animal Health Ireland taking responsibility for its implementation. The goals of the programme are summarised in 4 key objectives: 1. Enhance the ability of participating farmers to keep Figure 2- ICBF Johne’s dashboard animal level information their herds clear of Johne’s disease. The Irish Johne’s Control Programme provides funding support 2. Assist participating farmers to reduce the level of for the dung testing and TASAH assessments for herds (beef or infection in their herds, where present. dairy) that have qualifying positive test results; and for the VRAMP 3. Provide additional reassurance to the marketplace and the herd screening test for dairy herds, on condition that the in relation to Ireland’s efforts to control Johne’s annual requirements for completion of both VRAMP and whole disease. herd test have been met. Although the annual VRAMP and testing 4. Improve calf health and farm biosecurity in requirements of the programme are based on the calendar year, participating farms. each year is extended for an extra month (January) to enable The future of the Irish Johne’s Control programme and how it is those activities to be finalised during the winter housing period. used to address Johne’s disease will be guided very much by these AHI is currently issuing reminders to herdowners regarding any objectives. Currently more than 1,990 herds are registered within outstanding requirements for 2022. the programme with the goal to see this increase. One important There are now more than 350 member herds with a four year testing new initiative aimed at recruiting new herds is the Department of history, having never confirmed infection. The greater the number Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) national bulk tank milk of years any herd completes testing without confirming infection, (BTM) screening programme. the more confidence it can have that it is free of infection. It will in This has been carried out each spring and summer from 2019 the future be vital to the success of the programme that the number sampling for a range of animal diseases, including Johne’s disease of these low risk herds is expanded, providing increasing numbers and will identify further infected herds, as it is applied to all milk of low risk replacement stock for others to purchase. Indeed, having suppliers not just programme members. made such an effort to generate a prolonged test negative status, However, BTM testing for Johne’s disease will only detect those it must be a focus for these herds to minimise the risk of infection herds with a relatively high proportion of antibody-positive animals. being introduced. Therefore, negative results provide very little confidence that the herd is uninfected. DAFM has recently begun writing to herds with The IJCP Herd Summary Report, available for each herd from the positive results to inform them of their results and encourage them Johne’s dashboard, provides a convenient overview of testing, to register with the Irish Johne’s Control Programme. VRAMP and introductions since registration. The greatest risk However, the main method of identifying infected herds and helping is purchase of large numbers of unknown risk status animals. them to control the disease will remain whole herd testing using the Thus, introductions should be minimised, ideally only sourcing ELISA screening test on blood or milk samples, with follow up PCR replacements from fellow low-risk herds (e.g., closed herds with testing of dung samples. several test-negative whole herd tests). It is also important to The framework of the Irish Johne’s Control Programme also includes remember there are other risks for introducing Johne’s disease, the annual veterinary risk assessment and management plan through contaminated colostrum, slurry, boots, clothing or (VRAMP) for all herds, and an advanced veterinary assessment for equipment capable of transferring infective dung. herds in which infection is confirmed (‘TASAH’). Consistent communication of the programme to farmers and vets The Johne’s dashboard on the ICBF website provides summarised continues to be paramount for success of the Irish Johne’s Control test information to the farmer and their veterinary practitioner Programme, and AHI have recently engaged with both to understand (Figure 1), along with details of the test history of each animal in the how this can be improved further. Continued provision of herd- herd (Figure 2). specific test information in the form of the ICBF website dashboards This information is important in that it provides an understanding of will allow farmers along with their veterinary practitioners to tailor the disease situation at the individual farm level, allowing evidence- a farm specific strategy. This will allow either focusing on reducing based decision making and ensuring the requirements of the levels of disease in the herd, or, given increasing confidence over programme are met. time that they are disease-free, to maintain a valuable asset. Figure 1: ICBF Johne’s dashboard herd level information 56 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22
People on the Move PharVet appoints new Chanelle Pharma is South West Territory delighted to announce Manager Niamh Bambrick as their new Large PharVet (Ireland) Ltd are delighted Animal Specialist. to welcome Joe McCormack into the PharVet team. Joe takes up the role of Niamh comes from a family farm Southern Territory Manager including in Co. Kilkenny. She studied Cork, South Tipperary, Kilkenny, Agricultural Science in UCD and has since completed Wexford and Waterford. a HDip in Digital Marketing, a Master’s in Supply chain Joe, who lives in Killaloe, Co. Clare is from a farming management and is currently completing a Master’s in background. He has a wealth of experience as a Medical Sales environmental sustainability. Professional in the Pharmaceutical Industry having spent 17 Before joining Chanelle, Niamh worked as a Ruminant years working with MSD where he worked in several different Business Manager with Tirlán (formally Glanbia Ireland) for territories and roles. He more recently worked with Anpario. 6 years. Commenting on the new appointment at PharVet, National An avid sports fan, Niamh is an All-Ireland winning camogie Sales Manager Philip Dwyer said “Joe will be a great asset player with Kilkenny and a marathon runner. to the team where two key areas of development will be our Niamh is also the Vice-President of the Agricultural novel immunity modulator, OmniGen® and PharVet’s range Science Association (ASA) and sits on many Macra national of trace element boluses. I wish Joe every success as he committees. progresses his career with us.” Joe can be contacted on 085 851 7499 or by email at joe. [email protected] Product Focus Skellerup Boot MSD Animal Health Receives European Commission Approval of PharVet (Ireland) Ltd are New Therapeutic Indications for delighted to announce their BRAVECTO® (fluralaner) Chewable exclusive distribution of Tablet for Dogs Skellerup gum boots to the agri trade and veterinary market in Ireland. Many Irish farmers and veterinarians who travelled and worked in New Zealand will be familiar with the Skellerup range. An iconic staple of every Kiwi farm, Skellerup boots are designed MSD Animal Health has announced that the European Commission has and tested in one of the most extreme farming environments in approved two new therapeutic indications for BRAVECTO® (fluralaner) the world, serving New Zealand’s agricultural industry for over Chewable tablets for dogs – for the reduction of the risk of infection with 80 years. With a constant focus on improving their products to Dipylidium caninum (flea tapeworm) via transmission by Ctenocephalides better suit the harshest environments it should be no surprise that felis (cat fleas) for up to 12 weeks as well as persistent tick killing activity Skellerup rubber boots are world renowned for their unbeatable from seven days to 12 weeks after treatment for Ixodes hexagonus. comfort, protection, and durability. BRAVECTO is the first and only chew for dogs indicated to reduce the One of the common problems people have with Polyurathane risk of infection with flea tapeworm in addition to killing fleas and ticks. boots is degradation caused by exposure to uric acid. Uric acid BRAVECTO was also approved in December 2021 for the reduction of is found in animal effluent so you can see why exposure is high the risk of infection with Babesia canis via transmission by Dermacentor amongst farmers! reticulatus. Due to the manufactuing process a PU boot made by injection With these newly approved indications, veterinarians can have peace moulding will never achieve as good a fit as a rubber boot. of mind that BRAVECTO is not only providing long-lasting coverage Skellerup boots are hand made on a multi part last which gives the against fleas and ticks, but also helping to protect their patients from flea boots a unique, ankle locking fit. tapeworm with a single dose. With insulated products tested to -50C and the option of steel toe cap protection these boots have been designed to deliver day- 57 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22 long comfort, whatever the conditions. The main feature of these boots is high spec protection and performance. Please contact your local PharVet Territory Manager for more information or email [email protected]
QFRUEQEUSENTTILOY NASSKED Keep up those questions flowing... Question of Season Q2. How much Q4. What are the main magnesium should a cow principles that sustainable Q1. What are the main factors that give receive throughout the parasite control rise to neonatal calf diarrhoea? dry period? programmes should be A. The first week of a calf’s life are a delicate passed on? phase in the development of calf health. Magnesium is needed for the Traditionally treatments were Neonatal calf diarrhoea is problematic due to metabolism and absorption of targeted towards whole flock/ the multifactorial nature of the disease and calcium within the cow around herd or groups of animals from the newborn’s vulnerability. On the one hand calving. Throughout the dry the same cohort. there are the infectious agents responsible for period a cow needs at least 40g/ This policy is not in line with gastrointestinal infections. head/per day. sustainable parasite control However, there are also contributing factors Having a silage mineral analysis which is based on a number of such as poor hygiene, overcrowding, carried out is useful in giving an principles: inadequate colostrum intake, poor quality indication of what magnesium 1. Maintaining a viable colostrum and not giving the colostrum in the content is in the silage and how population of parasites on the critical first few hours. much the cow is taking in. farm that are sensitive to the If a silage analysis is .15% drugs used in the treatment. magnesium, a cow eating 11kg These susceptible parasites intake dry matter (DM) during also compete and ideally the dry period will take 1.65g supress the development of an from silage. In this case the alternative population that are mineral supplement will need resistant to the treatment. to supply at least 38-40g of 2. Effective biosecurity, magnesium. quarantine and treatment protocols for bought in animals Q3. Why is mineral 3. Fostering the development supplementation important of immunity in younger in the dry cow? animals but preventing the A. Trace mineral demands of development of clinical disease the rapidly growing foetus can or negatively impacting on quickly deplete the cow’s sup- production. ply so supplementation during 4. Monitoring the efficacy of the dry cow period is essential treatments on the animals particularly in known trace treated and using antiparasitics mineral deficiency areas. In as part of an integrated Ireland there are many pastures parasite management solution low in copper, iodine, selenium with the motto of using “as and manganese. little as possible but as much as Carrying out a trace mineral is necessary” forage analysis is a must in evaluating for trace mineral Q5. What are the costs deficiencies followed up with associated with mastitis? professional advice. Mineral supplementation in the dry Dairy farmers focus mainly period is essential to: on treatment costs and the • Support foetal growth and revenue losses associated with development and optimise unsaleable milk. There is other vitality of the new born calf; cost the veterinary practitioner • Enhance the cow’s health could make the producer aware during the stressful transition of such as the impact on the period around calving. animals health and on animal • Improve quality of colostrum. welfare. 58 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22
YOUR PARTNER IN PROTECTION AGAINST RSV AND Pi3 INFECTION TIME IS RUNNING OUT USE RISPOVAL RS+Pi3 INTRANASAL FOR FAST ACTING PROTECTION RSV and Pi3 are Common 59 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22 Causes of Pneumonia in Ireland 1 1All Island Animal Disease Surveillance Report (2019). Rispoval® RS+Pi3 IntraNasal POM(E). Onset of immunity: 5 days for RSV and 10 days for Pi3. For further information please contact your vet or Zoetis on (01)2569800 or www.zoetis.ie. Use medicines responsibly. See www.apha.ie MM-22080 (Sep 2022).
IS BRD BOTHERING YOU? ® NASYM ® HIPRABOVIS SOMNI/Lkt BREATHE EASY NASYM\" : lyophilisate and solvent for suspension for injection or nasal spray for cattle. Each 2ml dose contains: Live attenuated bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), strain Lym-56 10 4.7 - 6.5 CCIDS0. INDICATIONS: Active immunisation of cattle to reduce virus shedding and respiratory clinical signs caused by bovine respiratory syncytial virus. For more information about side-effects, precautions, warnings and contra-indications please refer to the packaging or product leaflet. Further information available from SPC or on www.hipra.com. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBERS: EU/2/19/241/001-2. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER: Laboratories Hipra, S.A. Amer (Girona), SPAIN. LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE: HIPRA UK&IRELAND, Foxhall Lodge, Foxhall Road, NG7 6LH, Nottingham, United Kingdom, Tel.: (+44) 0115 845 6486, [email protected], www.hipra.com. LEGAL CATEGORY: ROI-POM. Veterinary medicinal product subject to veterinary prescription. Use medicines responsibly. Under veterinary prescription, advice should be sought from veterinary prescriber. HIPRABov1s·�: Inactivated vaccine with Histophi/us somni and Mannheimia haemolytica leukotoxoid in injectable emulsion for cattle. INDICATIONS: For the reduction of clinical signs and lung lesions caused by Mannheimia haemolytica serotype Al and Histophilus somni in calves from 2 months of age. For more information about side-effects, precautions, warnings and contra-indications please refer to the packaging or product leaflet. Further information available from SPC or on www.hipra.com. MARKETING AUTHORIZATION NUMBER: Ireland: VPA N-10846/005/001. MARKETING AUTHORIZATION HOLDER: LABORATORIOS HIPRA, S.A. Avda. La Selva, 135. 17170Amer (Girona) Spain. Tel. (972) 430660 - Fax (972) 430661. LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE: HIPRA UK&IRELAND, Ltd. Foxhall Business Centre, Foxhall Lodge, Foxhall Road, Nottingham - NG7 6LH - UNITED KINGDOM. LEGAL CATEGORY: ROI: POM. Use medicines responsibly. Under veterinary prescription, consult your veterinary prescriber for further advice. Safety and efficacy of these products together have not been evaluated. A decision to use either of these vaccines before or after any other veterinary medicinal product therefore needs to be made on a case-by-case basis. The Reference HIPRA UK AND IRELAND in Prevention Foxhall Lodge, Foxhall Road, NG7 6LH, Nottingham, United Kingdom for Animal Health Tel (+44) 0115 845 6486 · [email protected] · www.hipra.com 60 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22
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