Facial eczema (FE) is a serious disease affecting grazing livestock. It’s caused by a fungus that produces toxic spores, Pseudopithomyces toxicarius. This fungus grows in warm and damp environments in predominantly ryegrass pastures where there are high amounts of litter.
There’s no cure for FE. Even if animals survive, they may never fully recover. Their health and production can stay compromised for life.
It is estimated that Facial Eczema costs the industry on average $332 million annually.
Recent studies have confirmed FE spores have been found in every region of New Zealand but at low levels in Canterbury, Otago and Southland. With a warming climate, FE will continue to increase its range further south and possibly to higher altitudes than originally experienced.
For more information about our research, contact Cara Brosnahan PhD, B+LNZ's Principal Scientist, Animal Health Research [email protected].
For further advice please contact your local veterinarian.
