CATTLE DISEASE IN WAIKATO

Southland Times, Issue 24237, 21 September 1940, Page 13

CATTLE DISEASE IN WAIKATO

FARMERS’ DIFFICULTIES IN TREATMENT The incidence of grass staggers and milk fever among dairy herds in the Waikato is considerably greater this season than last, and mortality among stock is correspondingly higher. In some cases farmers have experienced heavy losses of cows after calving. Plentiful fresh feed during the early spring is usually conducive to the diseases. A poor spring was experienced last year, but this year mild conditions during the winter months have resulted in feed coming away early.

The fact that the staggers are prevalent at unusual times this season is proving rather confusing to farmers. While milk fever may be expected immediately after the cow has calved, grass staggers are not usually experienced until about two or three weeks later. This spring, however, the diseases have been noticed among cattle

immediately before and after calving, and sometimes an animal is suffering from a combination of staggers and fever. Consequently, it is often difficult for farmers to differentiate between the two diseaser. , Staggers are usually accompanied by excitability and nervousness, with a tendency for the animal to lift its feet high. Cows suffering from milk fever, however, rre dull and sleepy. When an animal is suffering from both diseases at the same time, it has periods of excitability and of dullness. Veterinary experts state that there are no reliable or satisfactory means of treating or preventing grass staggers. A number of cows affected by milk fever is not responding to the usual methods of curing the disease which have proved satisfactory in other years.