Expert-led weaner management roadshow tours Tasmania on first leg of nationwide event
Announcement posted by Virbac Australia Pty Ltd 14 May 2019
Two industry experts will shortly be hosting a Virbac Australia Cydectin Long Acting Weaner Management Roadshow at venues across Tasmania, as they present invaluable information to farmers on weaner management best practice fluke and worm control.
Dr Matthew Ball (Beacon Veterinary Clinic owner and Livestock Technical Services Manager at Virbac Animal Health) and Dr Craig Dwyer, (Clinical Lead for Apiam Animal Health Group) will be touring the country on the first leg of what’s set to be a nationwide tour of Australia.
As Dr Dwyer explains, weaning is a time of increased stress for young animals, due to a range of factors. “Whether from the stress of being separated from their mothers, the loss of milk in their diet or close confinement with other animals in the yard, these factors can take their toll, making calves more susceptible to both infectious and non-infectious diseases.”
The recent change of season can also bring increased rainfall, which heightens the chance of an animal being infected with internal parasites like worms and liver fluke, causing a loss of condition, scours and anaemia in weaners up to 24 months of age. Dr Dwyer is convinced that “a good animal health program is the best form of defence once weaners are in the yard, because it gives them the best possible chance for optimal health and wellbeing as they grow.”
Together, the veterinarians will take a practical look at various aspects of weaner health and wellbeing, with a particular focus on the best types and compositions of drench, fluke and worm products. Dr Ball explains that “it can be challenging to make sense of which drench is best suited to weaners. Which drenches are ‘knock-downs’ and which protect for longer? Do weaners need the same drench as cows? Which fluke and worm products are best for productivity? Which chemicals are safe for dung beetles? How do you combine different products into a program? What’s the best way to manage or prevent fluke and worm drench resistance? We’ll answer all these questions and more during the course of our presentations.”
For Virbac Australia Tasmania Sales Manager Rob Youl, the roadshow is a great opportunity to learn from leaders in their field. “The presentations from Dr Dwyer and Dr Ball will provide attendees with practical information that can be applied directly on their farm. This promises to be a unique experience for beef and dairy producers, as they learn the latest and most effective weaner management programs for improved cattle health.”
Interested producers are invited to contact Virbac representative Rob Youl on 0412 742 307, or email rob.youl@virbac.com.au for more information on how to attend.
Tasmania roadshow itinerary:
About the speakers
Dr Matthew Ball
Dr Ball has 18 years experience helping cattle farmers in a range of clinical, advisory and research roles. His employment includes jobs in clinical practice, government and industry, and he’s also undertaken postgraduate qualifications in disease surveillance and education. Based on the northern rivers of NSW, Matthew is passionate about helping cattle farmers develop practical and profitable preventative health programs, helping them to understand how medicines work and the scientific differences between animal health products.
Dr Craig Dwyer
Former President of Australian Cattle Vets and Veterinarian, Dr Craig Dwyer graduated from Queensland University in 1998. After graduation he worked in dairy practice in Smithton Tasmania before continuing his career in England and Wales. Craig then returned to Smithton Veterinary Service where he became a partner in the practice. This practice is now part of the Apiam Animal Health group and Craig acts as Clinic Lead for the Tasmanian practices. Craig has completed the Sydney University postgraduate course in ruminant nutrition and in 2007 passed his membership exams in ruminant animal nutrition. Craig’s veterinary interests include cattle reproduction, bull fertility, nutrition and production.
Ends
Media Enquiries:
Kate Munsie - C7EVEN COMMUNICATIONS
(02) 6766 4513 / 0421 935 843
kate.munsie@c7even.com.au
Photo captions:
Dr Matthew Ball (Beacon Veterinary Clinic owner and Livestock Technical Services Manager at Virbac Animal Health) and Dr Craig Dwyer, (Clinical Lead for Apiam Animal Health Group) will be touring the country on the first leg of what’s set to be a nationwide tour of Australia.
As Dr Dwyer explains, weaning is a time of increased stress for young animals, due to a range of factors. “Whether from the stress of being separated from their mothers, the loss of milk in their diet or close confinement with other animals in the yard, these factors can take their toll, making calves more susceptible to both infectious and non-infectious diseases.”
The recent change of season can also bring increased rainfall, which heightens the chance of an animal being infected with internal parasites like worms and liver fluke, causing a loss of condition, scours and anaemia in weaners up to 24 months of age. Dr Dwyer is convinced that “a good animal health program is the best form of defence once weaners are in the yard, because it gives them the best possible chance for optimal health and wellbeing as they grow.”
Together, the veterinarians will take a practical look at various aspects of weaner health and wellbeing, with a particular focus on the best types and compositions of drench, fluke and worm products. Dr Ball explains that “it can be challenging to make sense of which drench is best suited to weaners. Which drenches are ‘knock-downs’ and which protect for longer? Do weaners need the same drench as cows? Which fluke and worm products are best for productivity? Which chemicals are safe for dung beetles? How do you combine different products into a program? What’s the best way to manage or prevent fluke and worm drench resistance? We’ll answer all these questions and more during the course of our presentations.”
For Virbac Australia Tasmania Sales Manager Rob Youl, the roadshow is a great opportunity to learn from leaders in their field. “The presentations from Dr Dwyer and Dr Ball will provide attendees with practical information that can be applied directly on their farm. This promises to be a unique experience for beef and dairy producers, as they learn the latest and most effective weaner management programs for improved cattle health.”
Interested producers are invited to contact Virbac representative Rob Youl on 0412 742 307, or email rob.youl@virbac.com.au for more information on how to attend.
Tasmania roadshow itinerary:
| Date | Location | Time |
| 21 May 2019 | Agritas Conference Centre, Smithton | 12pm Lunch available. |
| 22 May 2019 | The Boomerang, Currie King Island | 12pm Lunch available. |
About the speakers
Dr Matthew Ball
Dr Ball has 18 years experience helping cattle farmers in a range of clinical, advisory and research roles. His employment includes jobs in clinical practice, government and industry, and he’s also undertaken postgraduate qualifications in disease surveillance and education. Based on the northern rivers of NSW, Matthew is passionate about helping cattle farmers develop practical and profitable preventative health programs, helping them to understand how medicines work and the scientific differences between animal health products.
Dr Craig Dwyer
Former President of Australian Cattle Vets and Veterinarian, Dr Craig Dwyer graduated from Queensland University in 1998. After graduation he worked in dairy practice in Smithton Tasmania before continuing his career in England and Wales. Craig then returned to Smithton Veterinary Service where he became a partner in the practice. This practice is now part of the Apiam Animal Health group and Craig acts as Clinic Lead for the Tasmanian practices. Craig has completed the Sydney University postgraduate course in ruminant nutrition and in 2007 passed his membership exams in ruminant animal nutrition. Craig’s veterinary interests include cattle reproduction, bull fertility, nutrition and production.
Ends
Media Enquiries:
Kate Munsie - C7EVEN COMMUNICATIONS
(02) 6766 4513 / 0421 935 843
kate.munsie@c7even.com.au
Photo captions:
- Dr Matthew Ball, Livestock Technical Services Manager at Virbac Australia
- Dr Craig Dwyer, Clinical Lead for Apiam Animal Health Group