Facial eczema returns
The 2017/18 facial eczema danger period is, unfortunately, already with us.
Confirmed early season cases have been reported in South Gippsland, although drier conditions in summer should ease the threat for the time being.
Facial eczema is caused by the spores of a pasture fungus that multiply rapidly in warm and humid conditions.
To help dairy farmers manage the risk, GippsDairy and Dairy Australia have once again funded the Facial Eczema Pasture Spore Monitoring Program.
The aim is to try and predict when spore counts are rising so that preventative measures (such as feeding the correct daily dose of zinc oxide to cows likely to be exposed to high doses of the fungal spores) can be taken before severe liver damage occurs.
“Sentinel farms” across Gippsland and the Bega Valley collect pasture samples regularly during the risk period. These samples are tested for facial eczema spores per gram. If pasture samples from Sentinel farms reach danger levels, farmers will be alerted via local newspapers, electronic media, GippsDairy’s weekly eNews and on the GippsDairy Facebook and Twitter feeds.
But by far the best way to stay on top of the latest developments is to subscribe to Facial Eczema Monitoring Alerts by emailing Karen Romano at info@gippsdairy.com.au or calling 5624 3900.
The subscription service uses email and SMS to immediately alert farmers when numbers are at concerning levels. You can also sign up at www.dairyaustralia.com.au.