Animals – New vet in town

I graduated from the University of Nottingham earlier this year, making me another UK graduate joining the Wellsford Vet Clinic team. I have been in New Zealand for just over a week, and so far I’m loving it.

I grew up on a dairy farm in Northern Ireland, near the Irish border, so I am no stranger to the realities of farming, or the weather that comes with it. I look forward to applying my background while working with local farmers, although you may need to adjust to my accent at first!

I have a strong interest in both large and small animal medicine, particularly public health and disease control. I specialised in this area during my final year at Nottingham, I hope to share my research and insights with our farm and companion animal clients.

While disease control and prevention are often viewed as farming issues, companion animals also play a part. Leptospirosis, for example, is a serious and contagious disease commonly vaccinated against in cattle. Did you know dogs are equally vulnerable?

Rats are the main culprit for spreading this infection. Leptospirosis enters the body through mucous membranes or broken skin and can cause havoc to the kidneys and liver. Because dogs are closer to the ground, they are more likely to come into contact with contaminated water and rat urine.

Vaccination is an effective way to protect our pets, with annual boosters ensuring continued immunity.

Furthermore, because leptospirosis can be transmitted to humans, protecting your dog is an important step in protecting yourself.