External livestock parasites, Buffalo flies and cattle ticks are the greatest concern for Queensland and New South Wales farmers.
Australian producers spend over $290 million annually primarily on parasite resistance.
According to statistics in Meat and Livestock Australia’s 2015 Parasites Report, five of the eight highest-cost endemic diseases of cattle and sheep are caused by parasites, the top five being cattle ticks, buffalo flies, cattle worms, flystrike and lice in sheep.
Their prevalence is determined by seasonal changes in rainfall, temperature and food availability, these can include hot and humid weather conditions.
Farmers are encouraged to stay vigilant this summer and ensure their livestock is treated for external and internal parasites.
Negative impacts from untreated cases can have a significant impact on animal health and welfare including reduced appetite, open sores, reduced grazing behaviours, diarrhoea and blood loss.
Other impacts include decreased livestock productivity, reduced growth rates, reproductive rates, milk production, fleece weight, fibre diameter, staple strength, damaged hides, and death.
Forms of external parasite prevention treatments include injections and pour-ons.
Central Queensland cattle grazier Matt Kenny said every grazier’s livestock should have some sort of protection against parasites of all kinds.
“It doesn’t matter what breed of cattle farmers have,” he said.
“If you don’t keep it up, your production won’t be as good as it could be and you will begin to see the decline in your cattle’s overall wellness.”
To combat this, for 30 years Matt and his family ensured to utilise the pour-on method due to its reliability and application.
“We’ve preferred this method to take the flies off because you can give the lethal does right away and trust how long it says it’ll last,” he said.
Matt and his wife Kerri own and operate Tralee Cattle Company, Middlemount, while managing their two properties located in Baralaba.
Operating in Brigalow/Box country, the pair run 1200 Brangus Angus crosses which they export to Japan, where they are called Jap Box.
Since the family business’s establishment in 1963, the Kenny family has overcome major external parasite issues.
“A few years ago, tick fever was an issue for farms, which caused a lot of redwater and a mission to vaccinate our stock,” he said.
“Every grazier wants their cows clean and healthy, so keeping parasites at bay is ultimately best for everyone involved.”
