ABSTRACT Aims To review the Vets on Farm (VoF) programme, provided to support veterinarians and farmers after New Zealand’s North Island weather events of early 2023, by interviewing participating veterinarians and farmers about their experiences with the programme, and to use their responses to develop recommendations to optimise support following future natural hazard events. Methods Within the VoF programme, veterinarians had conducted multiple on-farm visits to provide services (farm systems review, feed budgeting, disease management) and collect diagnostic samples. Subsequently, between October 2024 and January 2025, semi-structured interviews were conducted with participating veterinarians and farmers. Interviews covered background information about the respondent, delivery of and services offered/received via VoF, effects and outcomes of VoF, support, and suggestions for future support programmes. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and sub-themes, based on which recommendations were developed. Results Nine veterinarians and seven farmers from six regions in the North Island were interviewed. Themes were identified in relation to the following topics: benefits and challenges for veterinarians, benefits and challenges for farmers, programme design, and management. Benefits reported by veterinarians included improved relationships with farmer clients, better knowledge of their needs, opportunities to offer clients an expanded range of resources, and satisfaction at being able to help. Challenges included increased demands on time and workload, lack of guidance on selection of participating farmers, and ending the programme without appearing to abruptly withdraw support. Benefits for farmers included strong engagement with their veterinarian, relevant and timely advice on farm management, information from diagnostic test results, and social support. Challenges included workload, stress, and some mismatches between farmer needs and the services available. The general principle of the VoF support was well received. Conclusions The in-depth interviews provided rich information and a high level of agreement between veterinarians and farmers. The framework of VoF, including its templates, systems, resourcing and communications, may provide a valuable resource basis for future programmes; however, greater flexibility around allocation of money per farm, testing and services would have allowed better tailoring to farm-specific needs. Follow-up evaluation of farm performance would provide valuable information on the effectiveness of interventions and emerging needs. Clinical relevance Veterinary work with clients following extreme events includes providing social support. Training and supervision for veterinarians’ social support role needs consideration.

ABSTRACT Aims To describe a novel knotless subcuticular suture technique using traditional smooth suture material, and to demonstrate its safety by comparing the post-operative complications with traditional interrupted cruciate skin sutures. Methods Forty-four dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy were randomised into two groups, whereby the skin was closed using either a knotless subcuticular suture (NKSS; n = 22) pattern or traditional cruciate skin sutures (CSS; n = 22). The surgical wounds were assessed using a semiquantitative scoring system 10–14 days post-operatively. Data was analysed for variables associated with any wound reaction first using univariable comparisons. Then, to address small event counts and complete separation, multivariable analysis was conducted using Firth’s penalised logistic regression. Results Wound reactions occurred in 0/22 dogs with NKSS vs. 5/22 (22.7%) with CSS (p = 0.048). The univariable odds of reaction calculated using Haldane’s correction were lower with NKSS (OR = 0.071 (95% CI = 0.0037–1.37); Fisher’s exact p = 0.0796). Only suture type was retained in the logistic regression, with findings for the protective effect of NKSS consistent in direction but with greater precision (OR = 0.071 (95% CI = 0.000–0.693); p = 0.0190). Conclusions In this prospective cohort, the absolute risk of any wound reaction was 0% with NKSS and 22.7% with CSS. Findings are compatible with reduced odds of wound reactions for NKSS, but precision is limited by the small sample size and few events. Larger, blinded studies are required before firm conclusions about comparative safety can be drawn. Clinical relevance The novel knotless subcuticular suture technique was safe and effective for the skin closure of ovariohysterectomy incisions in dogs, and it may result in lower superficial wound reactions.

ABSTRACT Qualitative research is increasingly recognised as an essential component of veterinary inquiry, especially when exploring the complex human, ethical, and contextual factors that influence animal health and welfare. This primer offers a practical and straightforward guide to the most commonly used qualitative methods in veterinary settings, including interviews, focus groups, and open-ended surveys as methods of data collection, and reflexive thematic analysis as one approach to data analysis. Aimed at veterinary practitioners and researchers with limited prior experience in qualitative approaches, it explains the reasons for using these methods and how to conduct them rigorously, and highlights common pitfalls to avoid. Drawing on published examples from veterinary science, the article clarifies the process of qualitative data collection and analysis, emphasising reflexivity and ethical responsibility. Although qualitative research does not produce statistically generalisable results, it offers valuable insights into how veterinary professionals and clients experience and understand their world. By providing readers with the foundational tools to design, evaluate, and conduct high-quality qualitative research, this guide helps build a more comprehensive evidence base for informed veterinary decision-making.

ABSTRACT Aims To assess the association between the sample/positive (S/P) ratios from a milk IgG ELISA, specific for Staphylococcus aureus and the somatic cell count (SCC) in cow composite milk samples taken at routine herd testing, and the association between the S/P ratio and milk solids (MS; kg fat + protein/cow/day) in cows in a pasture-based, seasonal-calving, New Zealand dairy herd. Methods Data from cow-composite milk samples were retrospectively analysed to determine the associations between the S/P ratios from a milk IgG ELISA specific for S. aureus, SCC (transformed to linear scores (LS) for analysis), and MS from cow-composite milk samples collected on four occasions across two lactations. A generalised linear mixed model was used to assess the effect of age, breed, month in lactation, and their interactions on the S/P ratio. To assess agreement between cows defined as infected based on S/P and on SCC, cows were classified as uninfected or infected using test positive cutpoints ≥ 0.38 for the S/P ratio and ≥ 150,000 cells/mL for SCC, and the agreement between these categories was compared by Gwet’s agreement coefficient (AC). A generalised linear mixed model was used to assess associations between S/P and MS production with age, breed, and herd test date, with their interactions as explanatory variables, and cow as a random effect. Results The S/P varied by month of lactation, and there was an interaction between age and breed. There was a moderate agreement between the dichotomised S/P ratios and the dichotomised SCC (Gwet’s AC = 0.59 (SE = 0.02); p < 0.001). When the MS production of cows defined as S/P test negative, suspicious or positive was analysed, there was an age by S/P interaction whereby there was no association between S/P category and MS amongst 2-year-olds, while in older cows, test-positive cows had lower MS than test-negative cows. Conclusions This observational study demonstrated moderate agreement between S/P ratio and SCC. Additionally, there were negative associations between the S/P ratio and MS amongst older cows and in late lactation. Thus, the S/P ratio of an S. aureus-specific IgG ELISA is correlated with a well-defined marker of mastitis (SCC) and with milk yield depression. Further assessment of these associations using microbiology, and investigation of associations between the antibody results and long-term survival in the herd would further strengthen the validity and utility of the test.

ABSTRACT Aims To investigate potential resistance to anthelmintics containing triclabendazole in naturally acquired Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) present on a sheep and beef farm in New Zealand. Materials and methods A necropsy study was conducted with three groups of mixed-age Romney ewes naturally infected with F. hepatica. Ewes were either left untreated as controls or treated with a single oral dose of either a combination of 0.2 mg/kg moxidectin and 10 mg/kg triclabendazole or 10 mg/kg triclabendazole alone, both at the manufacturer’s recommended dose. At necropsy, 49 days later, livers were collected for total adult liver fluke counts. Results All ewes in the trial had live liver fluke (min 1, max 148 flukes/liver). The efficacy was 30% for moxidectin plus triclabendazole and 21% for triclabendazole alone, confirming triclabendazole resistance on this farm. Conclusion This is the first reported case of triclabendazole-resistant liver fluke in New Zealand. Clinical relevance The finding of triclabendazole-resistant liver fluke in New Zealand should alert farmers and veterinarians to consider triclabendazole resistance as a potential cause of treatment failure, and adapt the farm liver fluke management and treatment regimens. In addition, resistant fluke could be widespread around New Zealand due to livestock being sold from this farm.

ABSTRACT This article considers how artificial intelligence (AI) could support, within a New Zealand context, the contribution of private veterinarians to protecting animal health and welfare during emergency responses. These may include veterinary involvement in natural disasters, such as fire and flood, or formal emergency animal disease responses, which are the responsibility of different government departments. An emergency response in New Zealand that impacts the health and welfare of animals, relies heavily on privately operated veterinary practices, which typically lack the coordination and support required for effective engagement. Drawing on historical events such as the response to the recent incursion of Mycoplasma bovis, this article reviews systemic limitations of the current emergency response process, such as fragmented data flows, unclear roles, and insufficient planning, and explores how AI could address these challenges. Key concepts of AI are introduced, including predictive modelling and decision support, and their relevance is considered within the veterinary context. Recent developments, such as multimodal models, generative reasoning models, and mobile-friendly architectures, offer opportunities to enhance preparedness, support faster decision-making, and improve coordination. However, technical advances alone are insufficient to resolve previous limitations. AI tools are only advantageous if embedded in day-to-day workflows, supported by well-governed data-sharing arrangements, and accompanied by clear guidance on their interpretation and limitations. Challenges relating to ethics, commercial incentives, and operational integration remain considerable. Progress in this area depends on collaboration between veterinarians, technologists, and policymakers as part of existing activities to prepare for an emergency response. By aligning commercial and public-good objectives and clarifying how everyday veterinary activity contributes to system-wide resilience, AI could become a practical tool in the profession’s growing role in emergency response. This review identifies strategic opportunities for veterinarians to shape and deploy AI technologies that support animal welfare, improve coordination, and strengthen national resilience during an emergency response to an event involving animals. Realising this potential will require early cross-sector collaboration, durable ethical oversight, and a clear articulation of shared value across both routine and emergency veterinary practice.