Dairy farmers across East Gippsland are being urged to remain vigilant as ongoing wet and humid conditions increase health risks for cattle and place added pressure on herd productivity.
Agriculture Victoria dairy industry development officer, Bec Cameron, said prolonged humidity and rainfall can create ideal
conditions for disease, parasites and nutrition challenges, particularly during summer and early autumn.
“Infectious diseases are more likely to emerge in wet conditions,” Ms Cameron said.
“Mastitis risk increases when cows are lying in muddy areas, while leptospirosis can spread through contaminated water and poses a risk to both livestock and people.”
Clostridial diseases such as blackleg and pulpy kidney can also appear following flooding or soil disturbance, while pinkeye remains a common seasonal issue across Victoria. Spread by flies, dust and grass seeds, pinkeye can lead to reduced weight gain and lower milk production if not treated early.
Ms Cameron said fly control, pasture management to reduce seed heads, vaccination ahead of fly season and maintaining good nutrition were all important preventative measures, along with early detection and isolating affected animals.
Humid conditions also heighten the risk of facial eczema and associated liver damage, caused when cattle ingest fungal spores found in dead pasture during warm, moist weather. Even subclinical cases can reduce milk yield and weight gain.
“Monitoring spore counts, supplementing zinc under professional advice, and managing grazing to limit exposure are critical steps,”
Ms Cameron said.
Hoof health is another concern, with softened hooves from prolonged moisture increasing the likelihood of lameness, footrot and white-line disease. Wet laneways and paddocks can reduce mobility and feed intake, sometimes leading to early culling.
Parasite burdens are also more persistent in humid weather, as worm larvae survive longer on pasture. Calves are particularly vulnerable to gastrointestinal parasites such as coccidia and cryptosporidium, which can cause scours and dehydration. Regular faecal egg counts, strategic drenching and fly control are recommended.
Water quality can decline following heavy rain or flooding, increasing the risk of contamination and algal blooms. Farmers are encouraged to regularly test water sources and maintain clean troughs.
Wet conditions may also reduce pasture quality through waterlogging and lower dry matter content, affecting energy and protein intake. Supplementary feeding with silage or concentrates can help maintain milk production and overall herd condition.
Ms Cameron said good record-keeping and proactive management were essential during challenging seasons.
“Tracking hoof health, parasite treatments, nutrition and water quality allows early intervention and helps protect both animal welfare and farm productivity,” she said.
More information on managing livestock during wet conditions is available on the Agriculture Victoria website.
