Facial Eczema Risk Monitor

IT’S ESTIMATED FACIAL ECZEMA COSTS THE INDUSTRY AROUND $200M ANNUALLY

 

WITH ANIMALS SUFFERING FROM LIVER AND SKIN DAMAGE WHICH CONTRIBUTES TO ILL-THRIFT, REDUCED FERTIFILITY, AND REDUCED MILK AND MEAT PRODUCTION.

 

Prevention with careful planning and implementing a good management plan is the only method to avoid Facial Eczema (FE). 

We need to be using zinc treatment 2-3 weeks before the spore growth is in the danger zone for maximum protection. 

Being pro-active is key – start spore counting early! 

FACIAL ECZEMA RISK MONITOR 2024

The routine monitoring of facial eczema spores has now finished for the season and thankfully, facial eczema hasn’t presented too much of a problem to farmers around our district..

If at any point you are concerned, please do not hesitate to bring in a grass sample for testing.

 

Hope you all have a great Easter & stay safe. 

COLLECTING A PASTURE SAMPLE 

                  • Cut a handful of pasture 1cm above the ground. Sample at least 5 different places in the paddock, with each sample site ideally more than 10m apart. Collection from several sites allows for any variation in the paddock.

                  • If there are slopes/hills within the paddock ensure samples are taken from the slopes as well as the flats.

                  • Try not to include soil in the sample. Avoid parts of the paddock sheltered by hedges or trees.

                  • We need roughly a bread bag full of grass to run the test. It is best to bring the pasture sample in on the same day as collection, however if this is not possible it will keep in the fridge overnight.

ZINC BOLUS SERVICE

For large mobs we have a conveyor available for zinc bolus, drench, vaccination and dip application.

For smaller numbers (>100) our technicians or a vet will come on site to administer the product.