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Facial Eczema Season – Be Prepared.

Facial eczema is an important disease of cattle, sheep and goats, caused by a invisible fungus Pithomyces chartarum, that grows in dead grass litter that is always present in pasture.

By Department of Primary Industries - 12th January 2006 - Back to News

The spores of the fungus contain a toxin which, when eaten by stock, causes damage to the liver. Liver damage is responsible for photosensitization (sunburn), production loss and sometimes death.

All farmers should familiarise themselves with monitoring and control procedures. The disease occurs sporadically. In some years multiple farms will be affected, however a small number of farms are affected with facial eczema in most years. The disease can cost a herd or flock thousands of dollars in deaths and reduced production.

Outbreaks of facial eczema generally occur in late summer and autumn when conditions are suitable for the production of large numbers of fungal spores on pasture. Spores are present in grass litter at the pasture base throughout the year. The fungus grows best when humidity is high and temperatures at ground level are above 12-15^oC for a few days. In Gippsland, these conditions are most likely to occur during February to April.

Preventative measures are only of value if applied before cattle graze toxic pasture. By the time signs of facial eczema are apparent, it is too late to implement effective control measures, unless spore numbers remain at toxic levels. There is a lag time of between 10-20 days between eating toxic pasture and the appearance of signs of the disease.

Effective control of facial eczema on a farm can only be achieved if monitoring of spore numbers occurs on that farm. Spore counts vary dramatically from farm to farm and paddock to paddock, according to aspect, elevation, prevailing wind, pasture litter and height. Animal health staff of the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will be able to advise you of monitoring procedures that can be undertaken on your farm.

Grass samples for spore counting can be delivered to DPI offices at Maffra, Leongatha, Bairnsdale or Ellinbank for submission to a veterinary laboratory, for a fee of $11 per paddock.

To collect grass samples from the paddock to be monitored, cut a handful of grass one centimetre above ground level using a sharp knife. Repeat this procedure at more than 10 places in the paddock about 10 metres apart, place all the sub-samples from the paddock into a single bag and label it with your name and the paddock name.

The chemicals used to control or prevent facial eczema are available, but should be used only under veterinary advice as they can be toxic if not used strictly in accordance with directions or for an extended period of time. These chemicals are not registered stock medicines and can only legally be dispensed under veterinary prescription.

Farmers are advised to start thinking about facial eczema now. Listen and watch for facial eczema warnings during the season, spore test on your own farm in conditions of high temperature and humidity, discuss prevention methods with your veterinarian.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: support@gippsland.com

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