Protect Stock From Facial Eczema Says MAF The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is reminding sheep and cattle owners that they have an obligation to try to prevent facial eczema in their stock. Ross Burnell, MAF Enforcement Unit Senior Advisor, says they should also provide relief for affected animals in the form of shade. It is a type of exaggerated sunburn. It can be very painful initially.
Facial eczema is a common disease occurring in much of New Zealand in summer and autumn.
It is caused by a fungus in pasture. Toxins in fungal spores damage the liver releasing a substance in the blood which reacts with sunlight to damage exposed areas of skin. Mr Burnell says that there are various ways of preventing the disease. The best way is to avoid pasture with high spore counts, and most farmers can identify areas of their farm which are safer when conditions are dangerous. North facing slopes, ridges and the lee of hedges tend to carry a higher risk.