Vetlife Farming

08/10/2026

Happy Vet Nurse & Vet Tech Week! 🐾🐄

This week, we've been celebrating the incredible people who care for animals every day.

Whether they're supporting pets and their owners in the clinic or working alongside farmers to keep livestock healthy and productive, vet nurses and vet techs play a vital role in animal health and welfare.

Their skill, dedication, and compassion make a difference behind the scenes and on the front line, every single day.

💬 We'd love to hear from you: Is there a vet nurse or vet tech you'd like to thank? Tag them or give them a shout-out in the comments and tell us why they're appreciated.

Let's recognise the amazing work they do for our pets, our farms, and our communities. 💙

11/09/2026

🐄 Calving season is well underway, and our teams across the country are busy supporting farmers through the highs, lows, and everything in between.

It's also a timely reminder that looking after yourself and your team is just as important as looking after your stock. Check in with those around you, lend a hand where you can, and don't be afraid to ask for support when you need it.

Wishing all farmers a safe and successful calving season. 💚

Calving season is a team effort! 🐮

Calving season is here and there’s no doubt it’s one of the busiest times of the year on farm! Our vets have been busy, supporting farmers with lots of eventful calvings already!

Long days, early mornings, plenty of decisions to make and, sometimes, a few unexpected challenges along the way. 🐄🌱

It’s also a great reminder that looking after the team is just as important as looking after the stock.

Keep an eye on your fellow farmers, check in with your team, take a breather when you can, eat nutritious meals and don’t be afraid to ask for a hand when you need one, the Vetlife crew is always happy to help! Sometimes a little support can make a big difference.

From all of us at Vetlife, we’re wishing you a safe and successful calving season! 🐄✨

19/08/2026

Strong conception rates start before mating. Vetlife data from over 3,000 matings showed conception rates were higher when cows had experienced more heats before first service. Read more:

Strong conception rates start before mating. Learn how transition management and heat detection can improve reproductive performance.

14/08/2026

Transitioning yearlings off winter feed or prepping for mating? Watch out for the copper gap.

Moving heifers off crops or specialist feeds can create a major nutritional shift. Combined with the high energy and physical demands of approaching mating, it's important to replace winter loses to maximise growth and immunity, and maximise conception rates.

Copacaps provide a trusted solution New Zealand farmers use to help bridge the gap. Dropped directly into the gut, these slow-dissolving copper needles bypass immediate antagonists to restore liver copper reserves safely over time.

Why treat with Copacaps?
👉 Protect conception: Replace winter copper losses to support better reproductive performance.
👉 Sustained support: One targeted dose protects stock for months.
👉 Vet-backed formula: Available exclusively through your veterinary team.

Ask in clinic about our special pricing on Copacaps purchased between 15th to 31st August, 2026.

🛒 Ready to secure your herd’s growth? Request your Copacaps supply or book a trace element check with your nearest Vetlife vet 👉 https://hubs.la/Q04sHyfm0

Note: As an RVM product, Copacaps require vet clearance. We recommend a quick pre-mating blood or liver profile to confirm herd requirements before dosing. Copacaps (36g) ACVM No. A010288. Further terms and conditions apply – ask in clinic.

05/08/2026

With the bitterly cold mornings, heavy frosts and winter chills we've been experiencing this week, it's a good time to make sure your hardworking farm dogs are staying warm, dry and comfortable.

A few simple changes to their kennelling can make a big difference to their health and wellbeing over winter. Read more here: https://hubs.la/Q04rWHWk0

We're keen to learn the different ways you keep your team warm. Share your tips, kennel setups or winter routines in the comments below 👇

Tips and tricks for winter kennelling your working dogs to protectthem from injury and ill health.

22/07/2026

Improving colostrum management remains the key to reducing calf losses, and Vetlife research has also shown that supporting calf immunity from birth can make a real difference.

Read the full article here:

Baffled by calf loses during he spring. read on to find out what you may be missing.

17/07/2026

Important update for pet owners and our community 🐦

A single wild seabird in New Zealand has tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza. There have been no detections in poultry, and the current risk to public health remains low.

If you come across a sick or dead bird:
• Do not touch or handle it
• Keep dogs, cats, and other pets well away
• Call us before bringing any bird to the clinic so we can advise on the safest next steps.

If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds in the same area, please report it to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) on 0800 809 966.

Staying vigilant helps protect our pets, wildlife, and communities. 💚

🔗 More information: https://hubs.la/Q04pRh5n0

12/07/2026

Flexolt is the first ever oral lice treatment for sheep. It provides flexible lice treatment, when it suits and in any length of wool.

Contact your local Vetlife clinic to find out more.

ACVM number A011971

06/07/2026

Heads up! Our clinics will be closed on Matariki as we take time to observe this special holiday. However, if you need urgent care, our emergency vet services are available, just call your local clinic https://hubs.la/Q04mM9sN0

05/07/2026

Did you know there are over 200 different types of zoonoses?

These are diseases that can be transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans. Here in New Zealand, we have our fair share, including:
• Salmonella
• Rotavirus
• Leptospirosis
• Ringworm
• Campylobacter

World Zoonoses Day, observed globally every July 6th, helps raise awareness of zoonotic diseases and how to prevent their spread.

Simple steps like vaccinating against common zoonotic diseases, washing and drying hands regularly, and avoiding eating or drinking while handling animals can make a big difference.

👉 Learn more about zoonotic diseases and how to protect yourself and your animals here: https://hubs.la/Q04nt00r0