Campylobacteriosis (previously called vibriosis) is the second most common cause of abortion and foetal loss in ewes in New Zealand, after Toxoplasmosis. Campylobacter usually causes abortion in the last six weeks of pregnancy, but it can also be responsible for the birth of weak lambs. As a general rule, the ewes suffer no ill effects and retain their fertility for future years. Once exposed to Campy they also develop immunity to subsequent infections. A small percentage may

Toxoplasmosis is one of the leading causes of devastating abortion storms and can cause crippling losses across breeding ewes. In susceptible breeding ewes this disease can causes abortions, stillbirths and neonatal deaths. Vaccinating is essential and having a well-timed vaccination plan in place reduces the risk and consequences of potential large-scale losses. Susceptible sheep become infected with Toxoplasma by ingesting the oocysts excreted in cat faeces. These oocysts c

We've had several clients visit the clinic over the last month or so who have been battling with what looks like mud fever on their horses. There was an article in one of the recent NZ Horse & Pony magazines which was a great little read offering a little more insight into this annoying bugbear. We’ve taken some excerpts of the article and dissected it a little further with the help of Larissa Bilston, Nutritionist at Farmalogic, asking her view and how we might be able to co