Robbie Gordon wouldn’t wish his last few weeks on anyone.

The dairy farmer from Grevilia, near Kyogle on the North Coast, has watched helplessly as 98 of his dairy cows have died from Botulism by eating contaminated silage.

While the tests are not conclusive, it seems a small animal or snake may have died and rotted in the stored silage, producing the potent botulinum toxin.

“The vets told me there’s nothing you can do once the cows are affected, just watch them die – it’s absolutely devastating,” Mr Gordon said.

“I still can’t sleep. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.” Mr Gordon said he wanted to “shout from the highest mountain” about the importance of vaccinating cattle against botulism.

“We had been vaccinating but, what with the drought and everything, it slipped off the agenda.
“I’ve spoken with other people, who like me, haven’t vaccinated their cows for one reason or another.

“They’ve been lucky – but if you’re unlucky like we were, the impact is devastating.

“Anyone who is feeding silage to beef or dairy cattle should have them vaccinated against botulism.”

Botulism is a real threat to the cattle industry in general. Recent high prices means that investing in your herd is important now more than ever.

A simple vaccine, should be on your list to maintain your herd… and protect them from this awful demise.

NSW DPI regional animal health leader, Paul Freeman, said “Beef and dairy producers who feed their cattle a prepared ration, especially those based on silage, should vaccinate their animals against botulism well before the feed ration is introduced”.

We have Botulism Vaccine’s in stock. Talk to Steve or any of our friendly team about the Vaccine in store.

* This is an extract from a case in Kyogle, Northern NSW in 2006.

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