Warm weather brings more fly infections
Heifers can also get summer mastitis but they are at less risk. Lactating cows may not necessarily escape either. Suckler cows can have a dry udder quarter for one reason or another. It is possible that this dry quarter could become infected. There may be differences in breed susceptibility. Friesian/Holstein are considered to be more vulnerable than other breeds. There are no simple precaution measures for suckler herds. Where there are cattle there are usually flies. Pour-on fly repellents can be relatively expensive. Fly repellent eartags were popular a few years ago but aren’t seen as much now.
Tar (Stockholm Tar) can also be used a fly repellent and is fairly effective if applied often enough. But applying tar to stock is too time consuming for most people.
In practice, regular herding is essential. Focus on dry female stock but also keep an eye on suckling cows. Wooded areas, groves, and low lying damp areas can have high fly populations, be more vigilant if stock have access to these areas.
The symptoms tend to be fairly constant. The infected udder quarter is likely to be swollen. Animals are stiff in the back leg next the infected quarter. Animals will usually have a raised temperature. The affected quarter is usually damaged beyond repair. If left untreated the affected quarter may burst and discharge a foul pus.
In calf animals could abort from the toxins produced by the infection. In severe or neglected cases the animal may die. Prompt treatment is essential. Do not administer any veterinary medicines until you have consulted your vet.
Weaning autumn calves: late autumn and early winter born calves are normally weaned at this time of year. Make sure that both cows and weaned calves are held in secure fields with stock proof fencing. Under no circumstances should cows and weaned calves be located on either side of a public road. Make sure that weaned calves have access to good grass or weight gain may slump.
Some producers feed meal at grass to autumn weaned calves. If the calves are going for sale or early finish in the near future meal feeding may give a return. If calves are going to be stored over winter there’s little merit in feeding meals now. The benefits from feeding meals are likely to have faded by next spring.
Tony Pettit is the Teagasc Food Assurance Specialist at Kildalton College, Piltown, Co Kilkenny.
