That should cure your warts says john as he heads to the ploughing

by John Heslin

“…that should cure your warts”. To the ordinary Joe-soap, this message could lead to a state of bewilderment. While doing some relief milking a number of weeks ago, I noticed some of the first calvers’ had warts on their teat. The papillomavirus is spread through direct contact, contaminated equipment and flies may escalate the occurrence of the virus. Minimal harm is caused but warts can interfere with the milking process and may lead to a secondary infection.

Over the summer, two of our beef heifers also had the papillomavirus that results in the emergence of warts. Breeding wasn’t in the script for these heifers and the warts were minuscule so no corrective action was required. During the brief period that sunburn was a high risk, the warts took a turn for the worst. Before the situation deteriorated, intervention was required as the now open lesions were beginning to attract every fly within a five mile radius. Not only could these flies then spread the virus, the flies would cause severe irritation to the heifers. A discussion with the vet concluded in the application of a lamb ring around the warts, with the intention to nullify blood supply that would result in the decay of the wart. Within the first week the warts had regressed, fallen off and within two weeks there was no sign of prior existence. An alternative strategy could be a vaccination. Taken by a vet, a biopsy of the wart can be used to create a vaccination to initiate immunity to that particular strain of virus. This may be beneficial if an outbreak is likely among the herd, however, the vaccine doesn’t result in immediate regression.

The ploughing championships begin this week. A few days out that can be enjoyed by anyone not just the farming community. Almost 300,000 people attended last year; with the event returning to Ratheniska in Co. Laois, another big crowd is expected. Many fantasise over the massive machinery on show while others enjoy their ritual of buying herding sticks, that are as useful as a waterproof teabag. For me, the main attraction is always the livestock with the quick glance at the crowd moving the sods at the actual ploughing competition. If you think people take football seriously, you haven’t seen someone with a crooked furrow.

The Irish Farmer’s Journal is kick-starting its men’s health awareness campaign with a charity hot towel shave at the ploughing championships. Members of the GAA community, including myself, have been invited to participate in the event. For me, producing facial hair has been comparable to stocking up for first cut silage. A splash of 18:6:12 after a face-wash had been suggested but the regulations from the Nitrates Directive put a halt to that!

The Farmer’s Journal stand is at row 23 stand 396; I will be there from 1pm on Wednesday to remove my awful attempt at growing a beard. A hot towel shave and the traditional two herding sticks for a fiver, a great day ahead. See you there!