OzFish to host free angler event at Ballina Surf Club

OzFish Unlimited

Recreational anglers surrounding the Richmond River are invited to OzFish’s latest fsh talk at Ballina Surf Club on Thursday 30 November. It is the latest in OzFish’s Fish Talk series that brings leading experts to share their knowledge with recreational fshing communities across Australia.

Attendance is free, and catering and lucky door prizes are provided.

Richmond River is graded as the NSW river with the worst water quality and has further suffered with the adverse effects of recent droughts, fres and foods. OzFish has organised this free event to connect the community with leading minds and highlight the waterway’s current challenges while looking through the sustainable fshing lens for future generations.

Commencing at 5:30pm OzFish will provide local anglers with a chance to better understand the research behind species they love to catch, as well as fnding out fshing tips with a local fshing guest speaker.

“This event isn’t just about information; it’s about forward thinking and solutions,” said OzFish Senior Project Offcer Taylah Kirk.

“The Richmond River is the heartbeat of towns like Ballina, Lismore, and Woodburn that rely on this incredible waterway for contributions to the region’s economy, health, and recreation.”

“One of the key items for discussion is to update local fshers on the plight and progress of the Tuckean Swamp. It’s a hugely important place for fsh, it’s the Richmond River’s largest coastal wetland and it’s in such poor health,” said Cassie Price, OzFish’s Director of Habitat Programs, and one of the speakers for the event.

“There is a complexity to restoring it to good health, and we really want people to know more about that, but solutions are within reach.”

Speakers include:

• Cassie Price, OzFish, will delve into the plight and progress of the Tuckean Swamp;

• Chrisy Clay, Rous County Council Flood Mitigation Manager, will explore the history of the Richmond River estuary and foodplain;

• Jim Tait from Econcern Consulting strategies to reintroduce the endangered Eastern Freshwater Cod into the Richmond;

• NSW DPI Marine Estate Management team will share insights on the river’s health and the government’s ongoing restoration effort;

• Local Recreational Fisher will provide tips, tricks and insights into fshing the Richmond

Where: Ballina Surf Club

When: November 30, 2023, 5:30pm to 8:30pm To register, visit: https://ozfsh.org.au/ event/richmond-riverfsh-talks/

Three-day sickness arrives early in the North Coast

Lab tests have confrmed the presence of Bovine Ephemeral Fever, colloquially known as three-day sickness, among cattle in the far north coast of NSW. This detection has occurred earlier in the season than usual, signalling the likelihood of the disease spreading southward as the season progresses.

Three-day sickness is a viral disease transmitted by insects, primarily affecting cattle by inducing high fevers and causing muscle and joint pain. Typically observed in cattle aged between six months and two years on the North Coast, the disease can also affect adult cattle from outside the region.

Dr. Phil Carter, a District Veterinarian with North Coast Local Land Services, detailed the typical signs of affected cattle, noting that they often isolate themselves, show reduced appetite, seek shade and water, display shivering, drooling, and lameness.

“Usually, these signs endure for a few days, and most cattle recover without complications. However, reports from Queensland, where the disease appears earlier, suggest more severe cases this year,” explained Dr. Carter. He cautioned that certain cattle, particularly bulls and those in robust condition, might take longer to recover, increasing the risk of complications. Some individuals may experience prolonged periods of weakness due to nerve damage, while pregnant cows could abort, and bulls may face temporary infertility.

Dr. Carter highlighted the disease’s likely spread as temperatures and rainfall rise, promoting an increase in insect populations that transmit the virus. With encouragement for producers to monitor their stock and seek veterinary advice if concerned, he stressed the effectiveness of medication in reducing fever, pain, and recovery time.

“Given other diseases resembling three-day sickness, veterinary diagnosis is vital,” emphasized Dr. Carter. Providing affected cattle with adequate shade, water, feed, and regular repositioning to prevent secondary complications was advised, preferably in paddocks devoid of steep terrains. Recovered cattle should not be sent to abattoirs for a few weeks to allow the body time to recuperate and prevent downgrades due to residual muscle damage. Where treatments are administered, adhering to withholding periods is crucial.

Dr. Carter also discussed the availability of a vaccine and recommended considering vaccination for introduced stock from outside the region, homebred cattle under two years old, and high-value animals. He elaborated on the vaccine’s dosing regimen and its potential to offer protection, especially in areas where the virus has yet to manifest signifcantly. Producers were encouraged to seek guidance from For further advice contact your North Coast Local Land Services District Veterinarian by calling 1300 795 299 or private veterinary practitioner.