NCVC Lifestyle Farming

24/04/2025

Equine wounds -warning contains graphic image.

Fern is a lovely young thoroughbred who had a fight with a fence last week! Fern sustained
multiple wounds to all four legs, her jaw and her forehead. One of our most frequent equine call outs is to see horses that have sustained wounds from fences and we take these very seriously for good reason. Of all of Fern’s wounds, these two caused me the most concern. They are on/around her carpal joint – the equivalent of our wrist.
Time is of the essence when dealing with wounds associated with joints, a joint infection is a life-threatening emergency to a horse and must be treated early and aggressively for a successful outcome.
Just by looking at a wound it is difficult to tell whether or not it communicates with the joint so it is important they are thoroughly cleaned and assessed by a vet. If the vet determines this joint is likely to be infected, or at risk of infection, we recommend
referral for x-ray of the joint and a procedure to flush it to rid the infection.
Luckily for Fern, her wounds did not involve her joint so we are able to work with her owner to manage her wounds at home. The process of wound healing, and how we get them to heal as efficiently as possible is a whole other topic, look out for this in future posts.

23/04/2025

23/04/2025

Cleaning water troughs.
The leaves are all starting to fall, and debris is gathering. It is good time to ensure your water troughs are all clean and filling properly before the frosts set in.
To do this, lift the ballcock/isolate the valve, and drain the water. Once the trough is empty, scrub the trough out with a wire/hard brush to clear the debris.
Release the valve/ballcock to rinse the residue away, replace the b**g and refill the trough. There are additives you can get to reduce the algae build up in troughs over time. Speak to your local livestock shop about what is best for you.

16/04/2025

Attention Lifestyle Block Owners: Fly Strike in Sheep

With the recent warmer weather, we’re starting to see an increase in cases of fly strike in sheep. Fly strike occurs when flies lay eggs on the sheep’s skin, and the maggots that hatch can cause significant damage to the animal. It’s extremely painful for the sheep and a serious welfare concern. If left untreated, it can lead to infection and even death.

If you suspect fly strike in one of your animals, please contact one of our clinics promptly to help arrange an appropriate treatment. Prevention, however, is always better than treatment.

We also offer Click Extra, a fly prevention treatment that we decant into smaller volumes for convenience. CLiK™ Extra (dicyclanil) is a ready-to-use spray that provides long-term residual protection for your sheep, offering 14 to 26 weeks of fly strike protection.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact us to learn more about Click Extra and how we can help keep your sheep protected this season.

14/04/2025

Flashback to last Monday evening when we held another engaging workshop for our dedicated Lifestyle Block owners. The topic was Parasite and Pasture Management and was delivered by our vets Georgie, Brooke, Rosie and Alex. A special thank-you to all the attendees who made the workshop so successful. If you couldn't make it along but would like a copy of the notes please email [email protected].

07/04/2025

Walk-ins are warmly welcome at our Workshop this evening at Amberley Clinic, so please rock up if you are interested in learning about this important topic.

03/04/2025

Register now for our free Parasite and Pasture Management Workshop! This event covers an essential topic for all farmers—whether you have one sheep, a small hobby farm, or a larger operation. Parasites can affect all species and have a significant impact on your animals’ health and productivity. Pasture management also plays a vital role in reducing parasite loads and maintaining healthy grazing environments. Register Now - phone Amberley Clinic on 03 3148612 or click here

Yes, please register me for the Pasture and Parasite Workshop on Monday 7th April 2025 - 6.30pm - 8.30pm

02/04/2025

Register now for our free Parasite and Pasture Management Workshop! This event covers an essential topic for all farmers—whether you have one sheep, a small hobby farm, or a larger operation. Poor parasite control can lead to weight loss, reduced growth rates, fertility problems, sick animals, and even death in severe cases. What makes it even more challenging is that there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Register Now - phone Amberley Clinic on 03 3148612 or click here https://forms.gle/dnzju2o58sXi6Gsf9

01/04/2025

Let’s Talk Worms

The recent wet and humid weather means we are seeing high numbers of worm eggs in faecal samples from all animal species as well as clinically unwell animals.

With increasing resistance of worms to drenches, deciding when to drench and what products to use is no longer as simple as you would think. If your animals haven’t had a drench within the last three weeks; have loose faeces or lots of dags; or are looking thin or unwell, then give the clinic a call to discuss testing and treating for worms or consider attending our Parasite and Pasture Management Workshop on the 7th of April in Amberley to learn more about parasites and how to manage your pasture and drenching protocol to reduce resistance on your property.

31/03/2025

Register now for our free Parasite and Pasture Management Workshop! This event covers an essential topic for all farmers—whether you have one sheep, a small hobby farm, or a larger operation. Parasites can affect all species and have a significant impact on your animals’ health and productivity. Register Now - phone Amberley Clinic on 03 3148612 or click here

Yes, please register me for the Pasture and Parasite Workshop on Monday 7th April 2025 - 6.30pm - 8.30pm

27/03/2025

Are your animals protected against Clostridial diseases?

Clostridia are a group of bacteria that can cause rapid death. Youngstock are particularly susceptible. Tetanus, Blackleg and Pulpy Kidney are disease caused by clostridia. These bacteria live in the soil and are then ingested by stock when grazing.
How can I protect my sheep and cattle?
There are various vaccines available that provide effective protection against a large range of clostridia. Please get in contact with a vet at NCVC to discuss suitable products and dosing protocols.

20/03/2025

Pinkeye in Sheep
Pink eye is a contagious, bacterial eye condition. It is often caused by Chlamydia or Mycoplasma species. Typically seen in the warmer months, it is spread via dust, pollen and flies and once it gets into a flock it can spread to multiple animals, adults can be affected but more commonly youngstock. Trauma to the eye caused by long seedy grass, baylage or thistles is a risk factor.
Affected animals suffer with wincing, eye watering, painful conjunctivitis followed by corneal oedema (bluing of the corneal surface), ulceration, blindness and, in severe untreated cases, rupture of the eyeball.
It can be prevented by avoiding yarding large groups of animals in dusty conditions, quarantining newly bought-in animals for 2 weeks and isolating affected animals as soon as possible.
Contact your vet if you notice any eye problems in your stock. Cases of Pink eye require antibiotics and pain relief, this must be done as soon as possible for a successful outcome.

20/03/2025

We're back on track with our Parasite and Pasture Management Workshop. This free event covers an essential topic for all farmers—whether you have one sheep, a small hobby farm, or a larger operation. Parasites can affect all species and have a significant impact on your animals’ health and productivity. Poor parasite control can lead to weight loss, reduced growth rates, fertility problems, sick animals, and even death in severe cases. What makes it even more challenging is that there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Effective parasite management involves creating a long-term strategy that goes beyond just using a single treatment. Pasture management also plays a vital role in reducing parasite loads and maintaining healthy grazing environments. Register Now - phone Amberley Clinic on 03 3148612 or click here https://forms.gle/dnzju2o58sXi6Gsf9

14/03/2025

Flystrike prevention in sheep

Flystrike is a serious condition caused by flies laying eggs on animals, leading to maggot infestation. It can cause severe pain, illness, and even death if untreated.
Here are key points on recognising and preventing flystrike:
· Common in warm, humid climates where flies thrive.
· High-risk animals: Sheep
· Flies target areas with moisture, wounds, wool and daggs
· Early signs: Restlessness, biting or scratching affected areas, foul smell, visible maggots.
Preventative Measures:
· Shearing: Shearing or crutching can help with preventative care.
· Wound Care: Promptly treat and monitor any cuts, sores, or infections.
· Preventive Treatments: Use vet-recommended insect growth regulators (IGRs) or spray on products.
· Options include electro dips or spray-on treatments. Keep in mind that the preventive chemical is effective only on areas where it has been applied.
· Fly Control: Prevention is key. Apply Adulticides or IGRs before fly season to protect animals early. Combine this with clean living conditions and fly traps to reduce the fly population and lower the risk of infestation.
- IGR's target immature stages of insects, preventing them from developing into adults.
- Adulticides directly kill adult insects, providing immediate fly control but do not affect larvae or eggs.
Please contact any of our clinics for further information.

14/03/2025

Don't miss the Hawarden A&P Show tomorrow, which completes the hat-trick of autumn shows for the District. And don't forget to call by our tent to say hello!

These days recognise the essence of the Hurunui District and are a special day for locals to exhibit their animals, produce, skills, creativity, and services and provide a valuable opportunity for us all to come together to celebrate. None of these days would be possible without the massive effort of a large band of volunteers who work tirelessly in preparation, on the day, and then in pack-down and closure - thank you all so much. We love being a part of each of the shows and warmly invite you to call by our tent to have a chat. Support your local show - see you there!

06/03/2025

The autumn series of agricultural and pastoral shows for our District is underway. Don't miss Cheviot Show this weekend. Call by out tent to say hello!

These days recognise the essence of the Hurunui District and are a special day for locals to exhibit their animals, produce, skills, creativity, and services and provide a valuable opportunity for us all to come together to celebrate. None of these days would be possible without the massive effort of a large band of volunteers who work tirelessly in preparation, on the day, and then in pack-down and closure - thank you all so much. We love being a part of each of the shows and warmly invite you to call by our tent to have a chat. Support your local show - see you there!

06/03/2025

Haemonchus contortus aka Barber’s Pole Worm

Are your sheep looking a bit lethargic? Not all intestinal parasites cause scour. The recent wet and warm weather provides ideal growing conditions for worms. One of which is Haemonchus contortus, also known as Barber’s Pole Worm. We have recently seen a case of Barber’s Pole in sheep in this area.

Haemonchus is a blood sucking parasite and so clinical signs are different to other intestinal worms. They include: lethargy, low or slow growth rates, weight loss, bottle jaw, anaemia and, in severe cases, sudden death. Although sheep are most commonly affected, Haemonchus can also infect cattle, goats, alpacas, llamas and deer.

If you think your animal may be off colour and lethargic then please give your vet a call. It may be worth doing a faecal egg count (FEC) to check for Haemonchus!