The Sheep Poo Study 

This study will help understand the extent of Facial eczema across New Zealand. 

This study will assess the prevalence and contributing factors of Facial eczema (FE) across New Zealand over three seasons (2023–2026).  Up to 350 farms will participate annually to help tackle this disease together and help improve management strategies.   

Background  

This study aims to assess the prevalence and factors contributing to Facial eczema (FE) across New Zealand, addressing crucial gaps in our understanding of this costly livestock disease. Running over three FE seasons (2023–2026), the study targets 350 farms each year, with testing conducted from October to May. 

Farmers are encouraged to participate annually, helping to shape future strategies for managing FE. FE is caused by a toxin-producing fungus found in pasture that affects grazing livestock in both the North and South Islands. The toxin damages the liver, leading to significant health issues such as reduced fertility, weight loss, decreased growth, lower milk production, photosensitivity, sunburn, and in severe cases, death. 

There is currently no cure for FE, which costs the New Zealand sheep, beef, dairy, and deer sectors an estimated $332 million annually, according to B+LNZ’s Economic Service.  

Benefits to farmers  

By participating in this study, farmers play a key role in shaping future tools and strategies for managing FE. The benefits include:  

1. Free testing and results: B+LNZ covers all testing costs, including sampling kits, prepaid return courier packaging, and testing through Gribbles Laboratory. Farmers will receive regular fungal spore count results, along with an anonymised nationwide map that tracks FE spore levels. 
2. Insight into FE risk factors: By providing data on farm conditions, livestock management, and current FE practices, participants contribute to identifying the key risk factors that influence FE prevalence. 
3. Contribute to a national solution: Farmers have the opportunity to share their insights into the broader social and economic impacts of FE, aiding in the development of more effective and sustainable management practices.  

Your active involvement will help create a comprehensive understanding of FE and pave the way for better disease management solutions, protecting livestock health and improving farm productivity across New Zealand.  

Learn more:

• Podcast: Breakfeed: we want your sheep poo!
• RNZ article: Country Life – B+LNZ's sheep poo study  

Project details

• B+LNZ project lead 
  • Cara Brosnahan, Principal Scientist – Animal Health Research. 
• Farmer involvement 
  • Up to 350 farmers are providing samples. 
• Provider 
  • B+LNZ, Awanui Veterinary, and Ingenum and Massey University. 
• Expected end date 
  • End 2026.