Keep a wary eye out for cattle tick

Ann Thompson, dairy policy adviser.

There are two issues that come to mind; Theileria and the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA). These are odd bedfellows but both are generating plenty of interest at this time.

Theileria is a tick-borne parasite Theileria orientalis ikeda, which causes anaemia and consequent loss in production and occasional death in cattle.

It has been found on farms from south Waikato, Taranaki, Whanganui, Bay of Plenty and Poverty Bay northwards.

Cattle ticks are also present in Nelson, Marlborough and Golden Bay so Theileria infection could also occur there.

I have heard farmers in some areas consider themselves not at risk. Complacency is dangerous as these ticks and the disease can be imported on incoming stock. Birds, hares, horses and dogs are also hosts of the tick.

At any time, there will be many more ticks in the pasture than on the animals. Ticks like long grass and damp conditions, so running newly weaned calves and vulnerable stock after stronger stock have grazed these paddocks, may minimise the risk of infecting these vulnerable animals.

The challenge for farmers is stock movement and the need to control the tick population.

There are no human health or food safety risks associated with Theileria.

Farmers suspecting infection (anaemia, tired and lethargic animals, pale mucous membranes, a drop in production or unexplained stock death) should contact their local vet. More information can be found at DairyNZ and Beef+Lamb New Zealand.

On a more positive note, entries are open for the dairy industry's equivalent of the Oscars.

Next year's New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Sharemilker of the Year competition. Federated Farmers ran the inaugural sharemilker of the year competition in Stratford. An amazing reunion has just been held with past winners telling their stories at the launch of the 2014 competition.

As well as the sharemilker competition, the dairy industry awards also include Farm Manager, Dairy Trainee and Equity Partner categories.

Entering the competitions gives dairy farmers the opportunity to lift their game and raise their profile in the industry. Entries are open until December 20.