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Facial Eczema Risk and Incidence Monitor Report
Weekly Summary
26-Feb-15
FE Risk -National trends in spore count levels (% elevated above 30,000 spg)
FACIAL ECZEMA RISK - TRENDS IN SPORE COUNT LEVELS
% elevated spore counts (>30,000/g)
70
60
50
40
2012
2013
30
2014
2015
20
10
0
Data provided by: Peninsula Vets, Eltham VS, The Vet Centre Maungaturoto,
Southern Rangitikei Vets, FVC Ngatea, Carlyle VC, Anexa Animal Health
Matamata, Cambridge VS, Paeroa Vets, Tauranga/Katikati/TePuna Vets, Topvets,
VetFocus TeAwamutu/Glenview/Otorohanga, Matamata Vets, Opotiki Vets,
TePuke VC, TePuke VC, Animal Health Services Rotorua, Wanganui Vets, Hauraki
Vets, Tirau VC, The Vet Club Rotorua, Dargaville VC, Warkworth Vets, Landmarks
Vets, Totally Vets.
AsureQuality
Contributors: Hastings, Dannevirke, Gisborne, Morrinsville, Kaikohe,
Masterton, Auckland, Pukekohe/Franklin, Taupo
About Facial Eczema
Facial eczema (FE) affects most ruminants but especially cattle and sheep throughout most North Island
regions plus the northern end of the South Island. FE is responsible for serious production losses
estimated to be around $200m annually with affected stock suffering liver and skin damage, which
together contribute to ill-thrift, reduced fertility , reduced milk and meat production and, if left
unprotected, in worst cases death.
During summer and autumn months warm, humid conditions together with dead litter in pasture
support the growth of a fungus (Pithomyces chartarum ) in pasture. .Animals graze toxic pasture and
once in the rumen the spores release a mycotoxin sporidesmin, which then enters the blood stream
eventually finding its way into the liver. The toxin specifically attacks the cells of the bile duct resulting
in the liver being unable to process and excrete waste products and phylloerythrin, a chlorophyll
breakdown product. Infected animals display signs of photosensitisation and look distressed. The first
signs are often reddening and swelling of skin exposed to the sun (i.e. around the eyes, ears, lips and
nose) as well as restlessness, shaking and rubbing of the head and ears, and seeking shade.
Prevention of Facial Eczema
With careful planning and implementing a sound FE management plan, farmers can take control of the
risk of facial eczema. Prevention is the only recognised method of avoiding FE. Ensure all staff are
aware of the associated risks and dangers of FE but ensure the plan is implemented when spore counts
are rising but before clinical signs are identified.
Essential to start FE control early.
Ideally start prevention with zinc treatment and Fungicidal sprays, two or three weeks before the spore
growth danger period for maximum protection.
Some of the AsureQuality areas are unavailable due to unforeseen
circumstances. If your area has had rain, be extra vigilant with
treatment.
Northland
When local pasture spore counts are trending upwards of 20,000 spores / gram and weather conditions look
favourable for sporulation, monitor your own farm’s pasture spore counts week to week and implement Facial
Eczema control and prevention strategies.
Northland
250
Highest PSC: '000 spg
200
150
Kaitaia
Kaikohe/BOIs
Whangarei
Dargaville/Ruawai
100
Maungaturoto
Rodney
Action Threshold
50
0
For the local weather forecast in your region please go to:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather
Data provided: Kaitaia 8, Dargaville/Ruawai 3, Rodney 0, Whangarei 0, Kaikohe/BOIs 2, Maungaturoto 2.
Waikato
When local pasture spore counts are trending upwards of 20,000 spores / gram and weather conditions look
favourable for sporulation, monitor your own farm’s pasture spore counts week to week and implement Facial
Eczema control and prevention strategies.
Waikato
350
300
Highest PSC: '000 spg
250
200
Franklin
Whitianga
Waihi
150
Hauraki Plains
Piako
100
50
0
For the local weather forecast in your region please go to:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather
Data provided by: Franklin 4, Whitianga 3, Waihi 0, Hauraki Plains 27, Piako 0.
Action Threshold
Waikato
When local pasture spore counts are trending upwards of 20,000 spores / gram and weather conditions look
favourable for sporulation, monitor your own farm’s pasture spore counts week to week and implement Facial
Eczema control and prevention strategies.
Waikato
500
450
400
Highest PSC: '000 spg
350
300
Hamilton
Morrinsville
250
200
Matamata
Raglan
Waipa
150
100
50
0
For the local weather forecast in your region please go to:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather
Data provided by: Hamilton 3, Morrinsville 3, Matamata 33, Raglan 0, Waipa
Action Threshold
Waikato
When local pasture spore counts are trending upwards of 20,000 spores / gram and weather conditions look
favourable for sporulation, monitor your own farm’s pasture spore counts week to week and implement Facial
Eczema control and prevention strategies.
Waikato
300
Highest PSC: '000 spg
250
200
Otorohanga
150
Waitomo
Taupo
South Waikato
100
50
0
For the local weather forecast in your region please go to:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather
Data provided by: Otorohanga 7, Waitomo 0, Taupo 6, South Waikato 3
Action Threshold
Bay of Plenty
When local pasture spore counts are trending upwards of 20,000 spores / gram and weather conditions look
favourable for sporulation, monitor your own farm’s pasture spore counts week to week and implement Facial
Eczema control and prevention strategies.
BOP
700
600
Highest PSC: '000 spg
500
400
Tauranga
Te Puke
Whakatane
300
Opotiki
Rotorua
200
100
0
For the local weather forecast in your region please go to:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather
Data provided by: Te Puke 21; Whakatane 0; Rotorua 10, Opotiki 18, Tauranga 15
Action Threshold
Taranaki
When local pasture spore counts are trending upwards of 20,000 spores / gram and weather conditions look
favourable for sporulation, monitor your own farm’s pasture spore counts week to week and implement Facial
Eczema control and prevention strategies.
Taranaki
120
Highest PSC: '000 spg
100
80
New Plymouth
60
Stratford
South Taranaki
Wanganui
40
20
0
For the local weather forecast in your region please go to:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather
Data provided by: New Plymouth 0, Stratford 10, South Taranaki 0, Wanganui 6
Action Threshold
East Coast
When local pasture spore counts are trending upwards of 20,000 spores / gram and weather conditions look
favourable for sporulation, monitor your own farm’s pasture spore counts week to week and implement Facial
Eczema control and prevention strategies.
East Coast
800
700
Highest PSC: '000 spg
600
500
Gisborne
400
Hawkes Bay
Wairoa
300
200
100
0
For the local weather forecast in your region please go to:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather
Data provided by: Hawkes Bay 4, Gisborne 3, Wairoa 0
Action Threshold
Lower North Island
When local pasture spore counts are trending upwards of 20,000 spores / gram and weather conditions look
favourable for sporulation, monitor your own farm’s pasture spore counts week to week and implement Facial
Eczema control and prevention strategies.
Lower NI
300
Highest PSC: '000 spg
250
200
Rangitikei
Manawatu
150
Horowhenua
Tararua
100
Wairarapa
Action Threshold
50
0
For the local weather forecast in your region please go to:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather
Data provided by: Rangitikei 2; Manawatu 14, Horowhenua 0, Tararua 0, Wairarapa 6
South Island
When local pasture spore counts are trending upwards of 20,000 spores / gram and weather conditions look
favourable for sporulation, monitor your own farm’s pasture spore counts week to week and implement Facial
Eczema control and prevention strategies.
South Island
25
Highest PSC: '000 spg
20
15
Tasman
10
5
0
For the local weather forecast in your region please go to:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather
Data provided by:
Action Threshold