Articles

Keep up to date with all our latest news, articles of interest, and case studies from the veterinary world around Hawke’s Bay.

Oh No, My Bitch Was Knotted!

Discovering that your bitch has been accidentally mated can be alarming, but don’t panic. A “knot” or “tie” is a normal part of canine mating and, while it increases the chance of pregnancy, it does not guarantee your dog will become pregnant. If you discover a mating in progress, do not try to pull the…

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Lamb vaccinations and parasite management.

Growing healthy lambs takes more than simply providing feed and hoping for the best. Vaccination programmes, parasite management and good grazing practices all play a critical role in helping lambs reach their potential. At Vet Services Hawke’s Bay, one of the most common challenges we see in growing lambs is preventable production losses caused by…

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Calf Rearing 101

Every calf rearing season brings its challenges, but the foundations of raising healthy, productive calves remain the same. Good systems, excellent colostrum management, clean environments and consistent care can make the difference between thriving calves and costly health problems. At Vet Services Hawke’s Bay, we recently shared some of our top calf rearing tips with…

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Bird Flu

Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1) Confirmed in New Zealand Avian influenza HPAI H5N1, commonly known as bird flu, has now been detected in New Zealand, following a positive test in a wild seabird found near Wellington. While this is an important development for animal health in New Zealand, authorities advise that the risk to the general…

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Dog Training Day

Working Dog Training Day – Friday 14 August Whether you’re bringing on a young dog or looking to get more out of your working dog team, join us for a free Working Dog Training Day at the Waipukurau Showgrounds. 📅 Friday 14 August 2026🕙 Starts at 10.00am📍 Waipukurau Showgrounds Free to attend, BBQ lunch +…

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Working Dog Reproduction with Vet Services

Protect the genetics you’ve worked so hard to build. A great working dog is one of the most valuable assets on any farm. Years of careful breeding, training and experience create dogs that are reliable, hardworking and instinctive. If you’ve got a standout dog, why leave the next generation to chance? Vet Services Hawke’s Bay…

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a brown horse standing on top of a dirt field

Strangles: What Horse Owners Need to Know

Vet Services is encouraging horse owners to remain vigilant following the recent Strangles outbreak in parts of the North Island. While there are currently no reported cases in Hawke’s Bay, the situation is evolving, and horse owners are encouraged to take sensible precautions to protect their horses and help prevent the spread of disease. What…

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Lifestyle Farming – FREE Winter Seminars

Thinking about raising lambs or calves this spring? Whether you’re new to lifestyle farming or just looking to brush up on the basics, we’d love you to join us for a free evening of practical advice. Our experienced farm vets will share simple, hands-on tips to help you get the best start to the season,…

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WOOF Working Dog Food

Keeping your team of dogs in top shape starts with the right fuel. At Vet Services Hawke’s Bay, we’ve made it easy to order high-quality working dog food that supports performance, stamina, and recovery on the job.

Register for our Working Dog Performance Partnership

Introducing our Working Dog Performance Partnership. For many years, our Dog Vaccination Run has been a trusted and practical service for our farmers. Over time, we’ve listened to feedback, learned more about the unique demands placed on working dogs, and seen opportunities to do more. In response to what you’ve told us, we’ve also reviewed…

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Dannevirke Winter Seminars

Spring is a busy time on the farm. Join us for our practical winter seminars for a refresher on Cow First Aid and Calf Rearing. FREE TO ATTEND ☕ Hot Drinks & Refreshments Provided 🎁 Prizes to Be Won!

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Facial Eczema – What to Watch For

Written by Isabel Simpson We’ve recently seen a spike in clinical cases of facial eczema across the region. This disease is caused by a fungus that damages the liver, mainly affecting sheep and cattle. Although spore counts dropped last week, we’re not out of the danger period — and we’re now seeing the effects of…

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