New Study Tracks Facial Eczema’s Impact on New Zealand Farms

A new study by Beef + Lamb New Zealand is underway to assess the impact of facial eczema on sheep farms across the country. The research, led by principal scientist Cara Brosnahan from Wellington, focuses on analysing fresh sheep manure. This initiative aims to provide farmers with vital information about the prevalence of this disease, which currently costs the sector more than $330 million annually.

The study, often referred to as the “sheep poo study,” has now entered its third and final season. During the second season, low levels of facial eczema spores were detected on four sheep farms in Otago, and one farm in Southland showed similar findings in the first season. Facial eczema affects all grazing livestock, excluding horses, when they consume toxic fungal spores primarily found in ryegrass pastures.

Farmers participating in the study receive notifications when spores are detected in their manure samples. They are encouraged to continue submitting samples to track spore numbers. If the levels rise, it is advised that they consult with a veterinarian. Dr. Brosnahan explained that livestock may not exhibit clinical signs if they ingest only a small quantity of spores. Subtle indicators of infection can include decreased productivity and increased empty rates during pregnancy scanning.

The research has highlighted that environmental factors, such as farm elevation and pasture height, may influence the risk of facial eczema. More than half of the manure samples collected from the northern half of the South Island showed clinical signs of the disease. The final season of the study is crucial for confirming these relationships, and Dr. Brosnahan emphasized the need for increased farmer participation.

Participating in the study is straightforward and cost-free for farmers. They are required to collect sheep manure samples every two weeks from October to May. Beef + Lamb supplies the necessary kits and covers postage costs. In return for their participation, farmers receive results that help them understand their risk of facial eczema, along with a $40 subsidy for faecal egg counts and a chance to be one of 25 selected farms for more extensive testing.

The urgency of this research is underscored by the fact that facial eczema can cause significant liver damage in livestock, leading to reduced fertility, weight loss, lower milk production, and, in severe cases, death. “There’s no cure, so you’ve really got to be on top of the management before that happens,” warned Dr. Brosnahan.

Sheep farmer Graham Evans from Barr Falls Farm in Owaka is actively participating in the study. He has been collecting and sending fresh manure samples since the study commenced. Evans noted that no spores had been found on his property, but he recognizes the inevitability of the disease spreading south. “It doesn’t matter whether you believe in climate change or not. It’s going to happen,” he stated.

Evans hopes that more farmers in the southern regions will join the study, explaining that the conditions can differ significantly between areas, such as the Catlins and Central Otago. By participating, he aims to contribute to the understanding and management of facial eczema for future generations of farmers.

As the final season of this critical research unfolds, the contributions of farmers like Evans are vital to building a comprehensive understanding of facial eczema and its implications for New Zealand’s livestock industry.