Summer is parasite time

Dangerous parasites as well as ticks, which can cause potentially fatal livestock diseases such as redwater and heartwater, thrive in rain and high temperatures

- Shane Brody.

This is a tricky time for livestock farmers. Many parasites require heat and moisture to proliferate, and over the past few years, many farming areas of South Africa have had immense rain and elevated temperatures.

Dangerous parasites as well as ticks, which can cause potentially fatal livestock diseases such as redwater and heartwater, enjoy these conditions. In addition, large areas of stagnant water can cause a dramatic increase in disease vectors such as mosquitoes and midges. Water bodies or drinking troughs showing evidence of mosquito larvae should be drained before refilling.

These irritating little insects can transmit serious diseases, such as Rift Valley fever, which can lead to abortion and death in livestock and also be transmitted to humans, causing severe fever-related illness. Consider vaccination if you live in areas of South Africa where this disease in livestock is prevalent.

There are sporadic outbreaks of Rift Valley fever; the last three were in 1950-1951, 1974-1976 and 2010-2011. Looking at epidemic trends it appears we may experience an outbreak in the next few years. Empower yourself with information by keeping in regular contact with your local State Veterinary office, which monitors disease outbreaks.

Recent outbreaks of this disease have occurred in the Free State and Northern Cape, but there have also been incidences in the Eastern and Western Cape.