Study Tracks Facial Eczema’s Impact on New Zealand Farms

A recent study by Beef + Lamb New Zealand is investigating the impact of facial eczema on sheep farms across the country. This research, led by principal scientist Cara Brosnahan, focuses on analysing fresh sheep manure to gain insights into the prevalence of this disease. The study has now entered its third and final season, aiming to provide critical data for farmers.

During the second season, low levels of facial eczema spores were detected on four sheep farms in Otago. Additionally, one sheep farm in Southland reported the presence of spores in the first season. The disease poses a risk to all grazing livestock, excluding horses, as they can ingest toxic fungal spores found predominantly in ryegrass pastures. Farmers have been notified when spores were identified in their manure samples and have been encouraged to continue monitoring spore counts.

The spores, which thrive in specific environmental conditions, may not immediately present clinical signs in livestock. Dr. Brosnahan highlighted that subtle indicators of infection could manifest as reduced productivity or an increase in empty rates during pregnancy scans. Clinical signs of the disease have been observed from Northland to the West Coast, with over half of the manure samples from the northern part of the South Island showing signs of the disease.

Researchers are examining how factors such as farm elevation, pasture height, and neighbouring spore counts may influence the risk of facial eczema. Confirmation of these relationships will be a key objective in the study’s concluding season.

Participation in the study is free and straightforward, according to Dr. Brosnahan. Farmers are asked to collect sheep manure samples every two weeks from October to May. Beef + Lamb provides collection kits and covers postage costs. In return for their participation, farmers receive results that help them understand their risk of facial eczema, a $40 subsidy for faecal egg counts, and a chance to be among 25 farms selected for additional testing.

The significance of the final season cannot be overstated. “We need more farmers to take part, especially those who have never had facial eczema detected on their farms before,” said Dr. Brosnahan. “These results are vital for building our understanding of this devastating disease.”

Facial eczema can cause severe liver damage in livestock, leading to reduced fertility, weight loss, lower milk production, photosensitivity, and in extreme cases, death. “There’s no cure, so proactive management is essential,” Dr. Brosnahan cautioned.

Sheep farmer Graham Evans, from Barr Falls Farm in Owaka, is actively participating in the study. He encourages other farmers in the southern regions to collect and send in fresh manure samples. “We don’t know what we don’t know,” he remarked. Since the inception of the study, Evans has dedicated approximately 30 minutes every two weeks to collect samples, and so far, no spores have been detected on his property.

Evans believes that the spread of the disease to the South is inevitable, regardless of opinions on climate change. He participates in the study to contribute to a solution for future generations of farmers. He hopes that more farmers from diverse environments, such as the Catlins to Central Otago or Eastern Southland to Western Southland, will join the initiative.

This research addresses a significant concern for the sheep farming sector, which incurs costs exceeding $330 million annually due to facial eczema. Through collaboration and data collection, farmers can work towards mitigating the effects of this disease and ensuring the health of their livestock.