Autumn Newsletter 2007 #2

Caterpillars and Abortion

Many of you will have noticed that we have the worst crop of caterpillar nests I have ever seen. They are killing trees everywhere.

We believe that they can cause abortion either by the mares eating the caterpillars (which mainly come out of their nests at night and mostly remain up in the foliage), or by contamination of pasture by the skeletons (shells) of the caterpillars –ie: what is left when the caterpillars pupate. The caterpillars are starting to leave their nests now and will come down the trees to pupate.

We believe that the main pasture contamination comes from the debris (skeletal material) left in the old nests (bags) which are starting to fall from the trees at the moment.

It is important to cut them down and burn them now before they fall and contaminate the pasture around the trees. I know it is an awful job but I believe the only alternative is to keep pregnant mares away from the affected trees.

Last year we also saw several farms affected by Herpes Virus abortion. Good management and vaccination with EHV I and IV at three (3), five (5) and seven (7) months, will markedly reduce the incidence of this potentially devastating disease.

Don’t forget that dry weather does not reduce the need to deworm regularly. We also believe that high worm burdens and stomach ulcers may predispose to caterpillar abortion.

Vanessa

After almost seven (7) years of bossing us around, Vanessa has decided to seek greener pastures. She has served us very well and we wish her all the best in whatever she decides to do. Her position in the office has been ably filled by Lorraine Seipel who joined us twelve (12) months ago. Lorraine has had a wealth of experience in similar positions and knows how to run an office with efficiency. I am sure you will find her most helpful should you need to contact her.

Until next time

Max