Farmers are being encouraged to join the Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Sheep Poo study, a crucial part of the Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts programme, ahead of the new season next month.
Approximately 200 farmers have already signed up for the study, however more farmers are needed. Farmers do not need to have had facial eczema (FE) on their farms to take part.
Dr Suzi Keeling, B+LNZ sector science strategy manager, said the work will build greater knowledge of the extent of FE throughout New Zealand and the potential impact of a changing climate on the disease.
“We need 350 farmers, 22 each, from 16 regions around New Zealand to join the programme,” says Keeling.
“It’s very straightforward and just involves collecting some sheep poo samples fortnightly from October-May. B+LNZ covers the cost of the sampling kits and the return packaging.
“With a time-commitment of less than 45 minutes a fortnight, participating farmers will be playing a pivotal part in something that can benefit the entire sector. Greater knowledge about the prevalence of FE spores throughout New Zealand is important for developing tools to help farmers mitigate the impacts of the disease.”
Researchers will analyse the sheep poo samples to see if they contain the fungal spores associated with FE, which indicates the risk of FE on the farm. Farmers will receive free FE spore counts over the season, access to an online map showing results and opportunities to network with other farmers.
As well as farm businesses, some schools have expressed an interest in becoming involved with the study, incorporating sample collection and understanding of the results into science and agricultural studies.
Paul Crick, chair of B+LNZ’s Farmer Research Advisory Group, is taking part in the study on his Wairarapa farm.
“Facial eczema is a growing challenge for many farmers. Being part of the Sheep Poo study is a practical way to contribute to critical research that aims to eliminate the impact of FE in New Zealand.
“Participation is easy—B+LNZ provides everything. All you need to do is gather sheep poo fortnightly, fill in some details, and send it back.”
The disease, associated with a toxin-producing fungus, affects pasture grazing livestock and there is no cure. The toxin can cause permanent liver damage resulting in reduced fertility, weight-loss, slowed growth, photosensitivity and sunburn. If the animal survives, its production will be limited for life.
B+LNZ estimates FE costs the New Zealand economy around $332m every year.
Farmers can register their interest in participating in the Sheep Poo study by 4 October 2024 here.
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For media enquiries, please contact media@beeflambnz.com or call 027 235 9806.
Information on the wider Eliminating Facial Eczema programme can be found here