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Ag News, 14th March 2006.

Ag News, 14th March 2006.

By Department of Primary Industries - 14th March 2006 - Back to News

Facial Eczema Warning

Farmers across Gippsland are advised to be alert for signs of facial eczema following the recent confirmation of an outbreak of facial eczema on a property near Drouin.

Facial eczema is a disease of cattle, sheep and goats, caused by the fungus (Pithomyces chartarum) which grows in dead grass litter that is always present in pasture. 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 animals 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.

DPI Animal health staff 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 (51 470 800), Leongatha (56 629 900), Bairnsdale (51 520 600) or Ellinbank (56 242 222) for submission to a veterinary laboratory, for a fee of $11 per paddock.

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.

For access to current weather records which may give some indication of the risk of an outbreak call animal health staff at DPI offices. Information pamphlets are also available at these offices.

Dairy Reminsers For March

Pastures

Long term pasture growth rates for March are estimated to be 15-18kg DM/ha/day on dryland farms across Gippsland, depending on the timing of autumn rainfall events. The irrigated pastures of the MID are expected to be 30-35kg DM/ha/day.

Ryegrass leaf appearance rates for mid-March are estimated to be 10-12 days depending on soil moisture and growth conditions. Grazing rotation lengths for ryegrass pastures should range between 30-36 days.

Well fertilised paddocks with actively growing pasture species will provide extra pasture growth during March/April following applications of 50kg of nitrogen per hectare.

Ryegrass rust has been noted in some pastures. Grazing these pastures is the best option to allow new fresh growth to develop.

Rain in February may have germinated capeweed, thistles and other broadleaf weeds. Inspect paddocks for the presence of these weeds and if present treat with a selective herbicide before these weeds becomes dominant in the pasture.

Establishing new pastures

Usually March/April is an ideal time for the sowing of new pastures.

Rolling after sowing ensures pasture seeds have firm contact with soil particles thus speeding up water uptake, germination and reducing seedling mortality.

Cows

Ryegrass staggers will be more prevalent with increased ryegrass available this year. Supplement young calves and yearlings with good quality hay to dilute the amount of alkaloids they are consuming on a daily basis. If stock are affected by ryegrass staggers, then avoid unnecessary stress and herding. Allow stock to move at their own pace to a flat paddock away from dams, gullies and obstacles as most fatalities happen by staggering stock falling into a hazard.

Pasture samples can be tested for the presence of perennial ryegrass alkaloid levels produced by endophyte in the ryegrass plants. Elevated levels of alkaloids in ryegrass plants may induce heart stress, ill thrift, nervousness or ryegrass staggers in cattle. Contact the FEEDTEST lab on 1300 655 474 for a pasture sampling kit.

Heifers

Dry dusty conditions at this time of year are favourable for pink eye in young stock. Seek advice from your local vet to keep up to date with the best information for pink eye control. Often a combination of patches and ointments are the best option.

If green feed is limited, supplement with a high energy and high protein grain or pellet mix to ensure a minimum of 0.6 kg/day live weight gain continues.

It's worth while to hire or borrow a set of cattle scales and see how your heifers are preforming this autumn.

Pregnancy test and sell empty heifers.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: support@gippsland.com

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