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Watch Out For Facial EczemaThe Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is warning Gippsland farmers to familiarise themselves with control procedures for facial eczema and to start monitoring their cattle, sheep and goats. By Department of Primary Industries - 13th February 2009 - Back to News
Facial eczema is caused by an invisible fungus called Pithomyces chartarum that grows in dead grass litter and is always present in pasture.
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.
The spores of the fungus contain a toxin which, when eaten by stock, causes damage to the liver.
Liver damage is responsible for photosensitisation (sunburn) and production loss and the disease can cost a herd or flock thousands of dollars in deaths and reduced production
The disease occurs sporadically and in some years multiple farms will be affected. A small number of farms are affected with facial eczema in most years.
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 degrees Celsius for a few days. In Gippsland, these conditions are most likely to occur during February to April.
It is important to remember that 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 to 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.
Monitoring Procedures
DPI Animal health staff can provide you with complete advice on monitoring procedures for your farm.
Grass samples for spore counting can be delivered to your nearest DPI office for submission to a veterinary laboratory at a cost 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 at 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.
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.
To help prevent facial exzema, farmers should watch for warnings during this season, spore test in conditions of high temperature and humidity and discuss prevention methods with your veterinarian.
For access to current weather records which may give some indication of the risk of an outbreak call your nearest Animal Health Officer at DPI Maffra on 5147 0800, DPI Leongatha 5662 9900, DPI Bairnsdale on 5152 0600 or DPI Ellinbank on 5624 2222. Information pamphlets are also available at these offices.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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