Surf Life Saving Northern Region call for people to swim at lifeguarded beaches during the patrol hours

from Surfing Life Saving Northern Region New Zealand

Facialeczema is a liver disease that affects farm animals mostly sheep and cattle between January and May, and right now the disease is starting to kick off. Facial eczema is like having severe sun burn but as well as having a damaged liver.

Animals are susceptible to this disease when they eat pasture containing a fungal spore that produces a toxin called sporidesmin. The spores mostly reside in dead matter at the base of grass. Therefore, it’s best to not leave stock on pasture for too long so they can’t graze right down to the ground.

Affected animals present with secondary skin lesions on their body and/or ears and face. Other symptoms include ill thrift in young stock, weight loss and seeking shade from the sun. Facial eczema is very painful and can be fatal if not prevented in time.

Once liver damage is detected there is no treatment; medication can be given to make the animal feel more comfortable. Prevention of facial eczema is the best strategy.

The main preventative farmers use is by supplementing with zinc, usually in the form of an intra-ruminal zinc capsule/ bolus. The zinc bolus is administered with a special applicator and will last for 6 weeks from the first treatment. Other preventions include grazing on safe pasture/ crops, breeding for resistance and also frequently monitoring the number of spores in the pasture.

Anexa Vets annually monitors spore counts from several farms each week for 3-4 months. Farmers collect about a bread bag full of grass from multiple areas from the same paddock. These grass samples are then tested in clinic or sent to the laboratory. Results climbing up from 30,000 is a good indication to consider zinc bolusing.

If you’re worried about facial eczema in your stock, ring the vet clinic on 07 825 8390 to discuss this disease with our vets.

Surf Life Saving Northern Region are calling for people to swim between the flags and at lifeguarded beaches during patrol hours after five drowning fatalities ocured in three days in the Auckland region. Surf Life Saving Northern Region says its heart goes out to the families of five drowning fatalities that occurred last week.

Two people drowned at unpatrolled beaches on Friday, one at Narrow Neck Beach on Auckland’s North Shore, and another at Big Manly Beach on the Whangaparāoa peninsula.

On Saturday, one person died at Takapuna, while two people died at North Piha despite United North Piha lifeguards’ attempts to rescue them after patrol had ended for the day.

Surf Life Saving Northern Region (SLSNR) Chief Executive Matt Williams extended the thoughts and condolences of the organisation to the victims’ families.

“The return of the pleasant summer weather has seen people flocking back to our beaches. Our lifeguards across the region have already performed a total of 43 rescues, 11 assists, and four major first aids already this weekend

“It’s really tough for our lifeguards when they are involved in in an unsuccessful rescue attempt – every death is one we take personally. Our guards take every possible step to ensure our patrolled beaches are safe.”

Matt Williams urged the public to swim at lifeguarded beaches, during the patrol hours.

“One of the core messages for this summer is ‘if in doubt, don’t go out’,” he says.

“The conditions around our northern coastlines change quickly. Even a change in tide can result in dangerous currents. While lifeguards make every effort to remain vigilant and keep our coastlines safe, we urge the public to keep themselves and others safe by swimming at a lifeguarded beach, during the patrol hours.”

2023 Season Beach Safety Messages from Surf Lifesaving Northern Region:

• Choose a surf lifeguard patrolled beach and swim between the flags

• Read and understand the safety signs – ask a surf lifeguard for advice as conditions can change regularly

• Don’t overestimate your ability or your children’s ability to cope in the conditions

• Always keep a close eye on very young children in or near the water – always keep them within arm’s reach

• Get a friend to swim with you – never swim or surf alone

• Watch out for rip currents, they can carry you away from shore. If caught in a rip current remember the 3Rs: *Relax and float, *Raise your hand and *Ride the rip

• Be smart around rocks: When fishing never turn your back towards the sea and always wear a lifejacket

• If in doubt, stay out!

• If you see someone in trouble, call 111 and ask for the Police

• Be sun smart – slip, slop, slap and wrap to protect your skin and eyes from the sun’s damaging rays.