WHY MAKE A BIG
NOISE ABOUT QUIET
CATTLE?
5-IN-1 STUDY TO
COMMENCE ON THE
BARKLY
CAMERON AND
FELICITY FULCHER
LEAVE THE BARKLY
BARKLY HERD
MANANGEMENT
FORUM
THE END OF AN ERA
FOR NT STOCKIES
DROUGHT
CONCESSIONAL
LOANS SCHEME
NON-PASTORAL USE
ACTIVITIES
ANIMAL HEALTH
NEWS
DEPT MINES &
ENERGY NEWS
WHAT WHEN AND
WHERE
AROUND THE TRAPS
PASTORAL MARKET
UPDATE
ISSN: 1325-9539
March 2015
Why make a big noise about quiet cattle?
Jane Douglas, Pastoral Production Officer, Tennant Creek
As more and more emphasis is being placed on Workplace Health & Safety (WH&S), the temperament
of cattle is becoming increasingly important. In addition to the obvious reduction in the risk of injury, there
are also many other production benefits of having quieter animals.
Temperament influences the way in which an individual animal reacts to things. There are genetic
(inherited) and environmental (handling and training) components to temperament. The important
difference between the two is that while the genetic component is inherited, the environmental
component can be improved through good handling or training. Training can improve reactions in a
familiar setting (e.g. drafting in home yards) and may also help animals become better at handling new
things. However some animals are always more “highly strung” than others due to the genetic
component of their temperament and as a result will react worse in unfamiliar environments (e.g. at the
abattoirs). The genetic component of temperament can be improved over time by genetic selection.
Temperament is a moderate to highly heritable trait, and Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) are being
developed and trialled to assist with selection for temperament.
“Flight time” is used as an indicator of temperament and
it is measured by a flight speed test in Bos indicus cattle
and their crossbreds. Flight time is the time taken (in
seconds) to travel approximately 2m when released from
a crush. This is measured using laser timers (similar to
those used for barrel racing). A longer time taken to
cover the distance equates to a slower flight time. It is
considered that docile animals have greater flight times
as they are not rushing to escape from the crush. So
animals with higher flight time EBVs are considered to
have quieter temperaments.
When we think of the advantages of quiet animals, we
tend to immediately think of the reduced risk of injury and
Flight Time recording on Brahman weaners
stress to both the handlers and the animals, which can
be beneficial in terms of WH&S compensation claims and animal welfare concerns. There are also other
efficiency benefits of handling quieter animals as they are easier to muster and handle and tend to cause
less damage to infrastructure (fences, yards etc.).
In addition to WH&S and efficiency benefits, studies have
also shown that temperament can affect production and
meat quality. It has been demonstrated that animals with a
“flightier” temperament are more prone to stress, and
therefore more inclined to react in stressful situations.
Docile animals have been shown to lose less weight when in
transit, and once at their destination, take less time to
recover that lost weight.
Docile cattle have been shown to have superior
performance across a range of beef production
traits
In feedlot situations, it has been demonstrated that docile
animals have higher average daily gains and better body
condition scores than the temperamental animals, which
also coincides with higher feed intakes and feed conversion rates. This could be explained by the
tendency of nervous animals to use more energy and reduce eating time by being in a high state of
arousal and exhibiting avoidance-type behaviour e.g. pacing fence lines or running away. Meanwhile the
calm animals tend to spend more time relaxed, eating and ruminating, i.e. conserving energy for growth.
The nervous animals repeatedly showed higher cortisol levels (a stress indicator). Cortisol also has a
negative effect on immunity. One study noted that while 42% of a “nervous” mob of cattle in a feedlot
were treated for illness or injury, none of the “calm” mob required treatment. It has also been shown that
there is a higher chance of mortality in the less docile animals.
Once the animals reach the abattoir, it has been
observed that cattle with calm temperaments tend to
have better meat quality and higher dressing
percentages. This was seen as reduced carcase
bruising, better tenderness and marbling scores and
reduced risk of dark cutting, all of which have an impact
on the value of the meat.
These effects on meat quality and dressing percentage
are important as regardless of the truck’s destination
when the cattle are leaving your property, will all
eventually end up in an abattoir of some sort,
irrespective of the path taken to get there (e.g. live
export, backgrounding, feedlot).
Producers from areas with high calf losses as a result of
wild dog attacks may argue that a flightier temperament
in females could be an indication of a more protective
mother. However, studies have indicated that pre-
Relationship between flight time and feedlot daily
weight gain. As flight time increased (more docile) so
did average daily gain (Beef CRC)
calving temperament appears to be unrelated to postcalving defensiveness, and thus, selecting for a docile
temperament is not likely to have a negative impact on the
ability of a cow to protect her calf from predators.
It is commonly known that an individual handler can have
an impact on an animal’s temperament. One person may
walk into a yard and have cattle move in the required
direction quietly, while someone else can walk into the
same yard of cattle and stir up the majority of the mob.
Studies have shown that while training animals (and
handlers) may improve the animal’s reactions in familiar
Temperamental cattle can be a pain in the rear end for
situations, it may not prevent an animal’s inherent reactions
your business
to unfamiliar situations. While it is tempting to say that
those stirred up cattle were not at fault and that they may settle with training and/or better handling, they
are more inclined to have a negative reaction in a feedlot or abattoir situation due to their inherited
temperament.
Also, it is worth remembering that simply because an animal appears to be docile does not necessarily
mean that all of its progeny will be docile. This is because of the
difference between hereditary and trained temperament i.e. it
Breeds with Temperament Related
may appear to be docile in a familiar environment due to training
EBVs (Breedplan)
but actually have a poor inherited temperament. Therefore,
where EBVs are available, they are the most accurate method
Breed
EBV available*
of selection, as they take into account the individual animal
Santa
Flight Time EBV
along with all of its relatives.
Gertrudis
Limousin
Docility EBV
Selection for animals with a docile temperament is considered to
Brahman
Trial Flight Time
be more effective than simply culling individual animals with
EBV
poor temperament. It is therefore, worth taking note of the
Angus
Trial Docility EBV
potential replacement heifers as weaners, and keeping records
Hereford
Trial Docility EBV
on their temperament or potentially drafting off a selection of the
Simmental
Trial Docility EBV
quietest animals. Also, if they are available for your breed, look
for Temperament EBVs when purchasing new bulls.
Keep in mind that selection on temperament alone is not
sufficient to improve the bottom line. Selection for temperament
is just another addition to the suite of selection criteria for other
traits such as fertility, growth, confirmation etc.
* “Trial” status on an EBV indicates that the
EBV is preliminary, and is subject to
change as further data is collected by
breeders
Further information can be found at www.futurebeef.com.au or www.beefcrc.com
Questioning the benefit of vaccinating with 5-in-1?
Why not participate in the 5-in-1 vaccination study?
We are calling for stations in the Katherine and Barkly regions interested in being involved in a 5-in-1
calf/weaner study. The aims of this study are to investigate potential mortality and cost benefits from
vaccinating young cattle for clostridial diseases under commercial conditions.
We require five stations in each of the Katherine/VRD and Barkly regions. At the moment, one station in
the Katherine region and two within the Barkly region have come on board. Therefore, potential to be
involved in this study currently exists if interested.
Summary of project method:
-
A minimum of approximately 400 calves/weaners able to be enrolled in the study
-
Calves/weaners will be systematically allocated (every 2nd) to either the vaccinated group or the
comparison (not vaccinated) group at either the time of separation from breeders or at the time of
branding/castration etc.
-
Study calves/weaners will be identified using a NLIS tag and a trial tag
-
Gender, dehorning and liveweight (optional) recorded at processing.
-
Following processing, animals to graze secure paddocks to reduce the number of cattle lost to
follow-up and to enable a better estimate of mortality rates.
-
Post procedure data will be captured prior to (Nov/Dec) and after (Apr/May) the following wet
season. The pre-wet season muster is open for discussion if animals are not routinely mustered
at this time.
Funds (a MLA producer demonstration study)
-
Owner to provide NLIS tags; project can provide project tags
-
Project can assist with data collection and recording requirements.
Criteria for participation in the project
-
Committed to managing and monitoring the study group for approximately one year.
-
Interested in weaner management
If you are interested in participating in the project or would like more information please do not hesitate to
contact Kieren McCosker, Beef Production Scientist, Katherine; phone: 08 8973 9771 or email:
kieren.mccosker@nt.gov.au
Cameron and Felicity leave the Barkly
Helen Kempe, Executive Officer, Tennant Creek
After 17 years at Walhallow Station, managing under three different pastoral companies, Cameron and
Felicity Fulcher are leaving the Barkly behind and transferring to Queensland. Cameron and Felicity
have spent 29 years and 19 years 11 months respectively living, working and raising a family in the NT,
and made many lifelong friendships both in the Barkly and right across the Territory.
Cameron, who was born in NSW, spent his childhood on properties in New South Wales and around
Warwick, Queensland, before attending boarding school in Sydney. During this time, his parents,
Graham and Robyn, moved to the Northern Territory, where they managed Anthony Lagoon on the
Barkly Tableland, Kirkimbie on the Western Australia border and Cox River near Nutwood Downs.
With the pastoral industry already in his blood, Cameron enrolled at Longreach Pastoral College for two
years before landing his first jackarooing job on Morestone Downs, near Camooweal in Queensland. He
then moved over to the Territory and worked at Brunchilly, Rockhampton Downs and Tennant Creek.
After gaining some valuable experience, he returned to his parents’ Sandover Highway property,
Ooratippra.
Felicity was born and raised on her family’s property in the south-east of South Australia, between
Bordertown and Naracoorte where they continue to breed Poll Herefords and sheep. Her parents,
Graham and Pru Day, regularly show cattle in NSW, SA and the NT and have been great supporters of
the Alice Springs Show cattle section.
After finishing boarding school in Adelaide, Felicity spent six years in the retail industry working at David
Jones. After deciding she needed a career change and seeing a governess job advertised in the ‘Stock
Journal’, Felicity packed up and moved to the NT where she was governess on Napperby Station from
1995 to 1996. Whilst at the Ti-Tree campdraft in May 1996, Felicity Day met Cameron Fulcher. After
their first official date to a ball in September that year, Cameron and Felicity became engaged in January
1997 and were married at the end of 1997.
Cameron and Felicity moved to Walhallow Station in May 1997, where they have been ever since. Their
children, Tom and Lucy, grew up on Walhallow and completed their primary school education through
the Alice Springs School of the Air. Both Tom and Lucy are now at boarding school in Adelaide.
Over the years, Felicity has taken an active role in Tom and Lucy’s education, not only as a mother, but
home tutor as well. She has been involved with the Alice Springs School of the Air Parents’ and Friends’
Association, Isolated Parents’ and Children’s Association and a member of the school council.
Cameron and Felicity have been active and valued members of ABC Amateur Race Club “Brunette
Downs” Committee. Cameron has served as Vice President for a number of years, was co-president for
the 100 year celebration and he was honoured with a Life Membership in 2011. Felicity’s organisational
skills have come to the fore when called on to assist the committee co-ordinate events for the Race Club
and other social functions in the Barkly region. Cameron has been a great competitor on the NT’s
campdrafting and cutting circuit over the years and is often seen in the line-up for a sash or two. Tom
and Lucy also enjoy riding and competing in campdrafts and gymkhanas.
We wish Cameron and Felicity all the best in their transfer to Queensland and we would like to take this
opportunity to thank them for their co-operation and assistance over the years. We trust it won’t been too
long before the they come back for a campdraft or race meeting or two and we hope to see Felicity at a
Barkly Ladies’ Day in the not too distant future!!
The end of an era for NT Stockies
Helen Kempe, Executive Officer, Tennant Creek
Ian Doddrell retires to Queensland
Born and raised in Toowoomba, after finishing school, Ian headed out west to work on a
sheep property at Barcaldine for three years. He then moved to Wrotham Park where he
worked his way up from jackaroo to overseer. He managed Mt Mulgrave Station near
Rockhampton, and later managed the Vesty Company’s bullock depot at Archer Station.
In 1986, Ian and wife Robyn moved to the NT where he managed Cattle Creek Station
for two years. In 1988, he applied and won a Stock Inspector’s position with the
department and after two weeks of living in a small room at the Safari Lodge Motel in
Tennant Creek, Ian, Robyn and their two sons packed up and headed to Borroloola.
Ian was the District Stock Inspector at Borroloola from 1988 to 1998 during the peak
Ian Doddrell, circa 1996
activity for the Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Eradication Campaign (BTEC). He was
a member of the large staff of stock inspectors and vets who were based on the Barkly and Gulf regions
during that time. Following the wind-down of BTEC, Ian also assisted with fisheries research programs
and weed control in the Gulf Region. In 1998, Ian moved to Darwin and was Stock Inspector there until
2006, when he was promoted to Senior Stock Inspector. Ian has also been the department’s Firearms
Training Officer for over a decade.
While based in Borroloola, Ian always ensured that the Tennant Creek Christmas parties were supplied
with fresh fish and crabs he had caught, and when he moved onto Darwin, continued to share his
Christmas spirit and became the regular Santa Claus at Christmas parties!
On a recent visit to Tennant Creek, Ian and former Regional Stock Inspector, Bob “RW” Baker caught up
and spent an afternoon reminiscing over the years they worked together, sharing yarns about the days in
the Gulf during BTEC.
After 27 years in the Territory as a Stock Inspector, Ian has decided to retire and he and Robyn are
headed off to North Queensland. We wish Ian and Robyn all the best for their retirement. Happy fishing
Ian!
Tributes flow in for Allan Carrington (1936-2015)
Allan, born in Townsville in 1936, spent his early years at Bluewater, near Townsville and the family
property north of Charters Towers.
After finishing school at All Souls in Charters Towers, Allan moved to Mt Dare in SA to work for his sister
June and her husband Rex Lowe. This was the start of Allan’s adventures in South Australia and the
Northern Territory.
He moved on to work at Kenmore Park and Granite Downs in South Australia, before moving to Mt
Doreen, north-west of Alice Springs as head stockman. Allan was always keen to attend a country race
meeting, not only to have a punt but he was also quite the dancer. Sometime in the early 1960s, Allan
made the trip to Aileron to ride in the rodeo and attend the races and dance. It was on this trip that he
met his wife Lorraine.
After Allan and Lorraine were married, they moved to “the Alice” where Allan took up the position of
Stock Inspector for the Animal Industry Branch in May 1971. He was quickly promoted to Area Stock
Inspector stationed at Brunette Downs on the Barkly Tablelands where he remained from 1974-1980.
Allan and his workmates were heavily involved in the Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Eradication
Campaign (BTEC). Allan spent many long hours running blood samples from one side of the Territory to
the other, yarding and drafting cattle and spaying cows, but through it all thrived on the friendships he
made during this time. Unfortunately, it wasn’t always fun and games and after tragedy struck at Alroy
Station in 1978, Allan once again pulled on his head stockman’s boots and helped out a station in need.
Former stockie, Bruce Tye’s wrote “During the late 1970s both the Alroy Downs head stockman and the
TB testing private vet lost their lives in an aerial mustering accident. To the credit of the department and
the staff involved, Allan Carrington, the SSI at Brunette, went to Alroy Downs and ran the stock camp for
a few weeks – no questions asked. I believe that this single act did more for the image of the department
than many other events. All of the young jackeroos at Alroy witnessed the accident and Alan helped
them through the tough times. No counselling in those days1.
After leaving Brunette, Allan moved back to Queensland and managed the James Cook University
Topical Veterinary Research Station “Fletcherview”, just outside Charters Towers for 10 years. The
family then moved to Mossman in North Queensland and bought the bakery. They ran this business as a
family for 17 years. During this time, Allan kept his cattle at Maryvale and also took up a mail contract to
Cape Tribulation. He would often work all night at the bakery, then deliver the mail, pack up the old ute
and head off to his cattle. He was never an idle man.
Allan had been battling ill health since 2005 and passed away on the 9th February 2015. We extend our
condolences to Lorraine and his children Peter, Rebecca and their families.
1
Territory Stockies and Government Vets – The Northern Territory Animal Health System from 1965 to 2012 – The People Volume 2
Drought Concessional Loans Scheme
Producers in the Northern Territory are now able to access the Australian Government’s Drought
Concessional Loans Scheme.
Eligible producers in drought affected areas can submit their applications between 10 December 2014
and 30 June 2015 for the 2014-2015 program.
Loans are for eligible farm businesses for the purposes of restructuring existing eligible debt (including a
Farm Finance Concessional Loan), providing new debt for operating expenses or drought recovery and
preparedness activities, or a combination of these. Approved loans will be for a maximum loan term of
five years and loan amounts will be up to 50% of total eligible debt to a maximum of $1 million. A
variable concessional interest rate initially set at 4% will be applied to approved loans with interest-only
payments due for the loan term.
The Drought Concessional Loans Scheme in the Northern Territory will be delivered by Queensland
Rural Adjustment Authority (QRAA) in Brisbane with all application forms available from DPIF. QRAA is
a specialist administrator of government financial assistance programs to the rural sector.
Advice and support regarding eligibility and scheme guidelines can be provided through DPIF Industry
Programs Officer David Collinson on telephone 8936 4089.
Further information including scheme guidelines and application forms are available from the DPIF
website www.primaryindustry.nt.gov.au or contact industry.programs@nt.gov.au
Non-pastoral use activities
Annette Duncan, Department of Land Resource Management, Palmerston
The Northern Territory Government has cut the red tape to make it easier for pastoralists to generate
alternative income streams through the January 2014 amendments to the Pastoral Land Act promoting
non-pastoral operations.
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Non-pastoral opportunities include tourism, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture and broad scale
agriculture activities.
Non-pastoral use permits can now be issued for up to 30 years, or the expiry date of a term lease.
Non-pastoral use permits are registered to the lease and are transferable if the pastoral lease
changes ownership.
The non-pastoral use permit value adds to a pastoral lease.
Pastoralists making decisions about diversification activities on their particular lease need to consider
land suitability, water capability, market and supply chain analysis business structures, and the day-today operational requirements.
In this issue you will find information on “Land Suitability” and over the coming issues further information
on “Pastoral Business Development”, “NPU and Native Title”, “Pastoral Land Act Amendments” and
“Frequently Asked Questions” will be published. The December 2014 issue contained “Where are the
Opportunities?”.
If you would like further information or a copy of the fact sheets please contact the Department of Land
Resource Management, Director Pastoral Lease Administration and Board, Annette Duncan
on 0400 576 418, email: annette.duncan@nt.gov.au or visit the http://www.lrm.nt.gov.au/.
Leptospirosis
Wet and humid environments
are the perfect breeding
grounds for a number of
bacteria, Leptospira is one
such bacteria. Leptospira is
the bacteria responsible for
Leptospirosis, a contagious
disease that has the ability to
infect animals and also
cause serious diseases in
humans. Animals infected
can include pigs (domestic
and wild), cattle, sheep, rats,
goats and horses. The
strains commonly found in
cattle are Leptospira
hardjobovis and Leptospira
pomona.
The disease can be spread
through urine, or at birth or
abortion, resulting in the
contamination of water, feed,
pastures and soil. Once in
the environment, the bacteria
are able to infect animals and
humans through damaged
skin or the membranes lining
the nose, eyes or mouth.
Clinical signs in cattle will
vary depending upon the
strain of the disease. In
general, signs associated
with Leptospirosis include
weak newborns, fever,
infertility, mastitis, jaundice,
depression and anorexia.
Abortion ‘storms’ may also
be seen in cows that are
greater than five months
pregnant. Abortions may
occur weeks after initial
symptoms, or even in the
absence of symptoms.
It is important to note that it is
not only cattle that have
recovered from Leptospirosis
that are capable of spreading
the disease. Cattle that have
not shown any symptoms
can be carriers and are
considered to be a high risk
source of infection for both
animals and humans.
Once exposed, cattle that
recover from the disease will
develop immunity to that
specific strain of leptospirosis
for periods of up to seven
months. Calves may also
acquire temporary immunity
through the colostrum of
vaccinated or previously
infected cows.
Vaccination is not a common
procedure on NT properties,
however in individual herds
leptospirosis can cause
severe economic losses.
Options are available in the
form of ‘7 in 1’ vaccines
which cover L. hardjobovis
and L. pomona, and bivalent
leptospirosis vaccines. As L.
pomona is normally
associated with contact with
the urine of pigs and rats,
reducing the pig population is
also an important
management strategy.
Blood samples are the most
practical means of confirming
whether stock have
Leptospirosis. Ideally, blood
samples will be collected
twice with the second set of
sampling to occur four to six
weeks after initial sampling.
Other methods include
analysis of urine samples, or
collection of blood, liver,
kidney or spleen from foetus.
In the Northern Territory,
there are 1-4 cases of
IN THIS ISSUE
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Leptospirosis
Pestivirus
National TSE (Mad
Cow) Program
Screw Worm Fly
The 3D Syndrome
Feral Animal Culling
Brands Audit to
commence soon
Leptospirosis reported in
humans per year. People
who work in livestock
industries are at risk as
they are likely to be
infected from
contaminated urine,
through splashes into the
eye or sores. Infection
may also occur from
contact with water, mud,
soil or vegetation that has
been contaminated with
animal urine. Handling the
foetus of an aborted calf,
or assisting with calving
can be a further source of
infection for humans.
Human infection of
leptospirosis is a notifiable to
the NT Department of Health.
Symptoms will generally
occur ten days following
exposure to the disease.
Common symptoms include,
fever, headache, chills,
severe muscle pains and
reddened eyes. Illness may
last for a number of weeks;
relapses are common
however it is rare for person
to person transmission to
occur. Vaccination of cattle
reduces the chance of staff
contracting leptospirosis.
National Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Surveillance
Program (NTSESP) in the Northern Territory
To ensure that Australia is eligible to export
cattle and meat to a number of overseas
markets we must prove that we are free from
Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies
(TSEs). To do this it is essential that samples
from cattle and sheep from all areas of Australia
are tested as part of our National TSE
Surveillance Program (NTSESP).
Behavioural
Neurological
• apprehension
• abnormal ear position
• changes in herd
hierarchical status
• abnormal head
carriage
• excessive nose and flank
licking
• altered consciousness
Therefore it is essential for DPIF to test cattle
from regions in the NT and so we need
producers to notify us of eligible cases. There is
a subsidy for participating in the program.
• excitability
• ataxia
• blindness
• frenzy
• circling
• head rubbing or pressing
TSEs are fatal diseases that affect brain and
central nervous system tissues. Bovine
Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) is the form
associated with cattle and is commonly referred
to as ‘Mad Cow’ disease. Scrapie is the form
found in sheep and goats. Neither exist in
Australia.
Payment
• falling
• head shyness
• fetlock knuckling
• hesitation at doors, gates,
barriers
• persistent kicking when
milked
• hyperaesthesia
(sound, touch)
• hypo aesthesia
(sound, touch)
• teeth grinding
• moribund without
evidence of infection
Producers are provided with a payment for all
eligible cases. The current payment rate for
cattle submissions is $300.
or trauma
Eligibility
• paralysis/paresis
Cattle are eligible if they are:
• recumbency
-
• tremor
-
Older than 30 months and younger than
nine years
Display one or more of the clinical signs
associated with BSE
Clinical Signs
Clinical signs associate with BSE are as follows:
Sampling
The crucial samples are the brain and 2-3 cm of
spinal cord. If the brain is damaged during
removal, the animal will not be suitable for
submission. Further samples include bloods and
pieces of the animals’ organs (i.e. lung, heart,
liver, kidney and spleen).
More Information
For more information on the NTSESP, please
refer to Animal Health Australia’s National TSE
Surveillance page
(http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/programs/b
iosecurity/tse-freedom-assurance-program/nationaltse-surveillance-program/)
To report an animal with clinical signs consistent
with those associated with BSE please contact
your local Livestock Biosecurity Officer, regional
Veterinarian or private Veterinarian
Screw Worm Fly
Old World screw worm fly is present throughout South-East Asia and Papua New Guinea and is one of
the most serious emergency animal disease threats to the northern livestock industry.
Screw worm fly (SWF) is a notifiable disease in the NT and suspect cases should be reported.
Call 1800 675 888
If you were to see any maggots on any animals, please:
1.
Collect up to ten larvae from DEEP in the wound with forceps. SWF larvae may be difficult to
remove and burrow deeper into the wound when disturbed.
2.
Collect larvae of different sizes if possible.
3.
Drop larvae into HOT water for one minute. This causes the larvae to extend allowing better
identification.
4.
Place maggots in either: 10% formalin; or 70% ethanol; or vinegar
And drop larvae samples off at your regional office to continue with the screw-worm freedom
assurance program.
Screw-worm fly is an insect parasite of warm-blooded animals. The fly has red eyes and a shiny bluegreen body and looks similar to Australian blowflies. Flies lay eggs on the edge of open wounds from
scratches, tick bites, injury, branding, dehorning or castration. Female flies are capable of laying several
egg masses during their lifetime, with each mass consisting of between 100 and 300 eggs.
The larvae (maggots) can grow up to 15 mm in length and 3 mm in diameter and are white or cream in
colour. They are given a screw-like appearance by the dark spines that grow on each body segment.
Once they hatch, the larvae will feed on the underlying flesh, causing extensive tissue damage. Left
untreated, animals can die from infection and loss of tissue fluid. When mature, the maggots will exit the
wound and drop to the ground where they will burrow into the soil and remain until they have developed
and re-emerged as adult flies. Due to the fact that the adults are able to fly and spread themselves over
large distances, the spread of screw worm would be rapid if not detected early.
Screw worm fly laying its eggs in a wound
Source: http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/screwwormfly
Screw worm fly egg masses (white) deposited in a wound
If you require further information about screw-worm fly visit: http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/swf
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES
www.dpif.nt.gov.au
BARKLY BEEF | page 26
A new disease? Drooling, diarrhoea and death – the 3D Syndrome
Written by Greg Maguire & Thomas Haines, Tennant Creek
The Department of Primary Industries in New South Wales has
advised that pastoralists in the Mossgiel, Hay and Ivanhoe areas
of New South Wales have been reporting cattle deaths from what
has come to be known as “3D Syndrome”. Since first reports
were received in 2006, combined losses across properties where
the disease is known to have occurred are reported to be
significant.
So far all samples which have been collected have tested
negative for exotic viruses and the cause of 3D syndrome has yet
to be identified. The pattern of disease which has been seen on
the affected properties combined with the negative results
indicates that the disease is not caused simply by an infectious
agent. At present there is no evidence of property to property
spread, so there is no justification in placing restrictions on cattle
movements. However investigations are continuing.
Drooling cow with discharge from the nose and
eyes (Photo G. Curran)
Typically cases of 3D syndrome occur between November and
January in cattle older than 5 months, although on properties where the syndrome has been recognised,
cases in calves up to 3 months of age have also been reported. Affected animals usually present as a
mild illness but deteriorate quickly, with death occurring in nearly all affected animals (95 – 100%) about
72 hours after signs were first recognised. Stock are usually in good condition and exhibit diarrhoea,
drooling, tear flow and in some cases noisy breathing. Affected animals feel hot (temperature between
40° - 42°C) and are frequently reported to be found close to water.
On post mortem, the main findings are erosions and ulcerations in the oesophagus and reddening and
haemorrhages in the large intestine.
Cases of 3D syndrome have been reported in 2006, 2009
and 2013 and usually cease following decent rainfall.
Property managers in the Tennant Creek Region are asked
to make themselves aware of the signs of 3D syndrome and
report suspect cases to their Regional Livestock Biosecurity
Officer. Information on the presence of this condition will
help to determine if it is confined to NSW or is more
widespread through Central Australia.
Further information on 3D syndrome can be accessed on
the NSW DPI website:
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/health/specif
ic/cattle/cattle-deaths-with-drooling-and-diarrhoea-3dsyndrome
Upper oesophagus showing erosions of the
mucosa (Photo G. Curran)
The information in this article is reproduced with the permission of the New South Wales Department of
Primary Industries.
Further Animal Health Information
Want information on a particular animal health topic?
Requests for articles on topics of interest are invited. Please send requests to:
Renae McLean
Ph: 08 8973 9765
E: Renae.McLean@nt.gov.au
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES
www.dpif.nt.gov.au
BARKLY BEEF | page 27
Animal Biosecurity Branch
Department to assist Pastoralists
with Feral Animal Control
The Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries Stock Inspectors/Biosecurity Officers are required under the
National Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement to maintain a core group of experienced aerial platform
shooters for emergency animal disease preparedness and response.
Since the successful completion of the Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Eradication Campaign, (BTEC), it has become
increasingly harder for our staff to find cost effective ways of maintaining high levels of competence and experience
in the field.
A plan has been put forward and approved by management to offer the services of this core group to organisations
involved in feral animal control including pastoral properties, Aboriginal-controlled areas and other organisations
involved in these activities to assist them and gain the experience we require.
The department would supply the shooter/shooters and firearms required for the job. The other party would be
responsible for the helicopter hire, fuel and ammunition. The job would have to be carried out in accordance with
the department’s high standard of WH&S and animal welfare conditions.
The program will be restricted to the number of hours required to keep our personnel at a high level of competence,
so enquires for these services will be dealt with on a first in, first served basis.
If you think this proposal could assist you or your organisation please contact your Regional Livestock Biosecurity
Officer to discuss your situation.
Darwin Region
Rob Wait
Ph: 08 8999 2034
Katherine Region
Josh Haigh (A/RLBO)
Ph: 08 8973 9767
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES
www.dpif.nt.gov.au
Tennant Creek Region
Alice Springs Region
Tom Haines (RLBO)
Ph: 08 8962 4458
Greg Crawford (RLBO)
Ph: 08 8951 8125
BARKLY BEEF | page 28
Department of Mines and Energy News
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES
www.dpif.nt.gov.au
BARKLY BEEF | page 29
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES
www.dpif.nt.gov.au
BARKLY BEEF | page 30
What When & Where
March 2015
31st Annual NTCA Annual
Conference, AGM & Gala
Dinner
26th & 27th March
Darwin
Douglas Daly Field Day
9th April
Douglas Daly Research Farm
Barkly Ladies Day
18th April
Barkly Homestead
18th Biennial Australian
Rangeland Society
Conference
12-16th April
Alice Springs
April 2015
May 2015
Daly Waters Campdraft &
Rodeo
1-3rd May
Beef Australia
4-9th May
Daly Waters
Rockhampton, QLD
June 2015
ABC Race Club Campdraft,
Rodeo, Races
18-21st June
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES
www.dpif.nt.gov.au
Brunette Downs
BARKLY BEEF | page 31
Around the Traps
Have you taken a good photo? Send it into barklybeef.dor@nt.gov.au
Monitoring pasture is a never-ending task
So much green!
Photo: Bessie Ford
Wet season storm clouds gather over Phillip Creek
Photo: Katherine Warby
Jodie Ward (Katherine DPIF) and Helen McMillan (Tennant
Creek DPIF) pondering their surrounds
Staff from Brunchilly, Helen Springs and Rockhampton
Downs participate in the first 2015 Rangeland Management
Course run by the Tennant Creek DPIF
Water, Water, Water!
Staff from Brunchilly, Helen Springs and Rockhampton
Downs Station identified pastures species at the Barkly
Rangeland Management Course in March
January saw lots of water fall over the Barkly and around
Tennant Creek
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES
www.dpif.nt.gov.au
BARKLY BEEF | page 32
Barkly House Staff List
BARKLY HOUSE
First Floor, 99 Paterson St
PO Box 159, Tennant Creek, NT, 0861
Fax: (08) 8962 4480
Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries
Regional Management
Executive Officer
Administration Officer
Helen Kempe
Skye-Lea Ries
08 8962 4484
08 8962 4488
Regional Stock Inspector
Thomas Haines
Stock Inspector
Greg Maguire
08 8962 4458
M: 0401 113 445
08 8962 4492
M: 0457 517 347
Animal Health
Pastoral Production
Pastoral Production Officer
Pastoral Production Officer
Pastoral Production Officer
Casey Collier
Jane Douglas
Helen McMillan
08 8962 4493
08 8962 4483
08 8962 4486
Barkly Landcare & Conservation Association
Landcare Facilitator
Kate Christianson
08 8962 4494
POSTAGE
PAID
AUSTRALIA
If undeliverable, please return to:
Department of Primary Industry &
Fisheries
PO Box 159
TENNANT CREEK NT 0861