Facial eczema affects animal welfare and productivity. The EFEI programme is working with farmers to develop practical solutions that help manage this disease.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand is proud to lead the Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts (EFEI) programme, a seven-year initiative with a $20.75 million investment aimed at developing tools and solutions for farmers to successfully manage FE.
Facial eczema (FE) is a severe and costly disease that has impacted New Zealand livestock farmers and their animals for over 100 years, costing an estimated $332 million annually to our economy.
What causes Facial eczema?
FE is a tough and damaging disease for New Zealand livestock. It’s caused by a toxin-producing fungus called Pseudopithomyces toxicarius, which thrives in warm, humid conditions. There’s no cure for FE – and even if animals survive, their productivity is often permanently reduced.
FE affects sheep, cattle, deer, goats, llama and alpaca.
FE affects both animal health and welfare, leading to serious productivity losses. While the visible signs – like skin peeling and photosensitivity – are well known, the hidden or subclinical effects can be just as damaging and are often missed.
Changing climate means that FE is spreading into new areas as the conditions that favour the fungus become more common. Farmers who’ve never had to deal with FE before are now seeing its impact, often without warning or preparation.
Through collaboration with farmers, researchers, veterinarians, extension specialists, rural professionals and industry experts we will develop practical tools and solutions for farmers to manage FE.
Focus areas
Our programme, Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts focuses on:
- Understanding the impact
Looking at how FE affects farm productivity, animal wellbeing, farmers, and the financial bottom line. - Improving diagnosis
Creating a consistent way to identify FE cases early and accurately. - Mapping risk across NZ
Identifying where FE is found and developing tools to help predict outbreaks before they happen. - Finding tolerant animals
Developing a cost-effective, animal-friendly test to identify animals that can tolerate FE. - Digging into the science
Studying the fungus behind FE to learn what triggers toxin production. - Exploring new solutions
Testing practical tools for farmers – like better diagnostic tests, pasture mixes, and biocontrol options. - Building awareness and support
Sharing knowledge through extension materials and creating a network of farmers who lead the way in FE management.
The programme, overseen by a governance group, is being funded 60 percent by B+LNZ and 40 percent by the Ministry for Primary Industries through its Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFFF) fund. Farmers and various industry partners support the programme through in-kind contributions.