The Vet Chat NZ

Hosted by thevetchatnz

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Apr 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the veterinary podcast The Vet Chat NZ, with fellow vets and hosts, Matt Wells and Ellen Eyre. Join them as they chat to a wide variety of industry professionals about hot topics and subjects affecting animal health in New Zealand. This podcast is brought to you by Virbac New Zealand and proudly supported by the NZVA.

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38 recent

April 24, 2026Episode 361 hr 19 min

Bovine Caesarean Tips | Kristina Mueller

In this episode, Kristina Mueller, Associate Professor in Dairy Cattle Health and Production at Massey University, joins Matt to discuss how to do a caesarean in cattle. They work through the procedure from start to finish, covering patient selection (8:12), equipment and suture material (24:26), anaesthesia and pre-op medications (37:20), incision and calf removal (49:12), closure (1:01:30), and calf revival (1:13:10). Additional Resources: Paravertebral Nerve Block Video 1 Paravertebral Nerve Block Video 2 Paper 1: Karvountzis, S. Factors affecting outcomes of bovine cesarean sections, with a focus on maternal survival to 14 d after surgery. Paper 2: Clinical Tips: C-section. Paper 3: Mueller, K. C-section Technique and Abdominal Surgery.

March 24, 2026Episode 3557 min

The Vet as a Trusted Farm Advisor | Katrina Roberts

In this episode, Matt and Katrina discuss how vets are ideally placed to be consultants/advisors, in a world where farms have more information and data than ever. They talk about what a consultant really does and how rewarding it can be, and give tips on how to get started and develop your skills - below are details of a new course to help vets with this. Katrina also shares some insights from her Kellogg Project on farmer-vet advisory relationships as part of her 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year prize, including how much farmers really value their vet relationships. Katrina's email: KRoberts@anexafvc.co.nz Rural Partnership Flier Kellogg Partnership Report

October 23, 2025Episode 341 hr 0 min

Never Waste A Good Crisis

On this episode of The Vet Chat NZ your host Sue Campbell, is joined by Angela McEwan to discuss how to Never Waste a Good Crisis- considering where we find ourselves with cattle parasite resistance in New Zealand. Angela openly discusses her experience and challenges of helping PAMU farms address triple drench resistance in cattle. From how we can reframe the thought process from one of fear to one of opportunity in how we can grow cattle better and faster, Ange shares her experience and her approach for why addressing drench resistance is a must. With practical considerations to take away, and discussion around how vets and other experts can help, there is something for everyone in this episode. The opportunity for improving how we grow our young stock is immense, so come and have a listen to Ange's experience with how people's attitude, monitoring and farm management practices changed over time to improve parasite resistance.

September 18, 2025Episode 3352 min

Modern Parasite Management with DAGI (Drench And Grazing Integration)

In this episode of The Vet Chat NZ, Matt is joined by Ryan Luckman and Grace Boardman to discuss DAGI, the app that helps farmers manage parasite burdens and drench resistance. They explain how refugia and larval avoidance are the key to understanding the risks for every paddock and mob on the farm. Learn what possessed a dairy vet to develop an app for sheep farmers, the benefits for both farmers and vets, and how to enrol your farmers in the launch phase. Links for further information discussed in the episode are below: Webinar link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws3DHwVGyEk Email: info.dagi.nz@gmail.com Website: https://www.dagi.nz Facebook: DAGI Instagram: @dagi.nz Youtube: @DAGIDrenchGrazingIntegration

August 27, 2025Episode 3245 min

Doctoring Dairy Efficiency: How Vets Can Drive Dairy Efficiency with Fonterra’s Mike Shallcrass

This episode of The Vet Chat NZ features a new host, Sue Campbell, who is covering for Ellen while she is on maternity leave. Sue talks with Mike Shallcrass, Fonterra's Veterinary Programme Manager, about why efficiency is so critical for New Zealand's dairy industry. From improving reproductive performance and reducing disease, to harnessing accurate data and improving genetic merit, Mike shares practical ways vets can help farmers to improve efficiency and concurrently reduce emissions. Learn how market demands, greenhouse gas targets, and the “co-operative difference” are shaping the future of dairy — and why vets are perfectly placed to lead the change on farm. Packed with actionable insights, this is a must-listen for veterinary professionals wanting to stay ahead in an evolving industry.

July 24, 2025Episode 3158 min

From Paddocks to Pets: Veterinary Insights for Lifestyle Block Success

In this episode, host Ellen Eyre is joined by Dr. Laura Schwerdtfeger, veterinarian and founder of The Lifestyle Vet, to explore the rising phenomenon of lifestyle blocks across New Zealand and the unique challenges and opportunities they present for veterinary professionals. The conversation dives into the shift in owner expectations, where animals on lifestyle blocks are increasingly treated as pets, leading to a demand for more personalised and higher-quality veterinary care. Dr. Schwerdtfeger shares practical insights for veterinarians heading out to lifestyle block calls—from what to pack in the truck to how to manage safety and communication on varied properties. The episode also covers essential clinical considerations, parasite resistance, the importance of biosecurity, and the increasing need for emergency preparedness in light of climate events. Whether you're new to lifestyle block medicine or looking to refine your approach, this discussion offers grounded, actionable tips to build confidence and improve care in this growing sector.

June 27, 2025Episode 3047 min

Where Have All the Ewes Gone? Unpacking Culling & Mortality in NZ Flocks

In this episode, host Ellen Eyre sits down with Dr Anne Ridler (Massey University) to explore her recently published study of ewe culling and mortality across 34 commercial sheep flocks in New Zealand. During this chat, Anne highlights the various reasons why, on average, nearly 11 percent of ewes put to the ram never make it to docking—and why another 4 percent present wet-dry. Possibly one of the most eye‑opening observations is the variation between farms, indicating that flock-specific insights and interventions are required in order to reduce ewe culling and mortality. Drawing on first‑hand interviews with farmers and on‑farm culling observations, Anne shares practical advice on culling and who should be making these decisions. You’ll learn why consistent body condition scoring (even by eye after shearing), drafting light ewes early and focusing on nutrition can reduce mortality and improve your flock's efficiency. Whether you’re a vet passionate about productivity or a sheep farmer keen to lift efficiency, this episode gives you the tools to answer one big question: where do all the ewes go? Udder palpation video mentioned during the episode: https://beeflambnz.com/knowledge-hub/video/examining-ewes-udders-identify-possible-problems

April 10, 2025Episode 2945 min

From Clinic to Continent: How to Plan Your Veterinary OE

Thinking of taking your veterinary career overseas but not sure where to start? In this episode of The Vet Chat NZ, host Ellen Eyre chats with Dr. Tarryn Walker, a Kiwi vet fresh from her 3 year OE adventure, to unpack everything you need to know about working abroad. From navigating the visa process and securing a job to finding accommodation and adjusting to life in a new country, Tarryn shares first hand insights, practical advice, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're a recent graduate considering an OE or a vet looking for a change, this episode will help you take the leap with confidence. Tune in for a fun and informative chat that might just inspire your next big move!

February 3, 2025Episode 281 hr 2 min

From Collars to Consultancy: Maximising Wearable Data in Veterinary Medicine

In this episode of The Vet Chat NZ, we’re joined by Dr. Krispin Kannan, a leader in cow wearable technology and data integration, based in Waikato NZ. Together with host Ellen Eyre, they explore how wearable technology is revolutionising veterinary practice at every level—from individual cow health monitoring to herd-wide insights and high-level consultancy. Dr. Kannan shares practical tips and real-world examples to help veterinarians leverage this technology to improve animal health, boost farm productivity, and build stronger client relationships. Whether you’re new to wearables or looking to deepen your expertise, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you stay at the forefront of bovine care.

December 10, 2024Episode 271 hr 33 min

From Lab to Farm | Tackling Johne’s Disease in NZ Dairy Herds

In this episode, we dive into Johne’s disease, a persistent challenge in dairy herds which can be costly to both the farms bottom line, as well as its devastating impact on animal health. Virbac technical veterinarian Ellen Eyre is joined by LIC veterinary epidemiologist Kara Dawson and scientist Rebecca White, as they break down the latest research from LIC milk testing as well as the theory around minimising the impact of Johne's disease in dairy herds. Together, they discuss advancements in milk testing, insights from years of data, and strategies for disease management that drive both animal health and economic resilience. Later, fourth-generation dairy farmer Brendon O’Leary offers a practical look at how these tools work on the ground, giving vets and farmers alike real-world advice on implementing effective practices. To contact Kara or Rebecca: Kara.dawson@lic.co.nz Rebecca.white@lic.co.nz