Do you know YOUR facial eczema risk level?
To develop an effective facial eczema prevention programme, it is essential to understand YOUR farm’s facial eczema risk level. As weather and grazing patterns change year to year, so do the levels of toxic spores. Spore counting is a valuable tool that you can utilise to optimise your zinc treatments.
Knowing when levels are rising allows you to provide treatment before significant production losses are suffered. Equally, knowing when levels are safe can save the cost of unnecessary treatment. Regional counts can be useful to help identify the start of the season and provides some trend data. Still, they should not be relied on solely to make treatment decisions. You can view the Regional counts here: Awanui Veterinary Facial Eczema Portal
Spore counts vary naturally from paddock to paddock and day to day, so a one-off count is of limited value. Consecutive samples over multiple paddocks will provide a pattern of spore levels, which is far more valuable in helping to evaluate the risk present.
The graphs below show the variable nature of spore levels and the need for individualised spore counting to truly assess the risk your stock is being exposed to.
How to collect a pasture sample for spore counting:
- Name a paper collection bag with Farm Name, Date and Paddock ID.
- Designate a sampling line: from one corner of the paddock to the other crossing diagonally. Use this same line every time you sample.
- Stop a minimum of 10 times along your sample line to collect a sample:
- Using scissors or garden shears, cut a handful of pasture from 1cm above ground level.
- Avoid adding any soil to your sample
- Avoid areas shaded by trees, hedges, and dung or urine patches.
- Fill your bag to a minimum of 2/3 full. (If you are unable to deliver on the day of collection, refrigerate overnight)
- Deliver to your local vet clinic or animal health provider for testing.
When should I treat?
Unlike other forms of zinc treatment, the Time Capsule provides protective zinc levels within 48 hours of dosing meaning you don’t need to predict when the risk will occur and treatment can be given when counts are trending 30,000spores/gram and greater.
When should I stop treatment?
The Time Capsule provides 4 weeks protection in cattle and 6 weeks in sheep. We recommend that nearing the end of this protection period spore counts are used to guide the decision of whether a second treatment is required.
- If counts are 30,000 or greater – repeat treatment.
- If counts are below 30,000, continue to monitor in case of a second risk period, especially if conditions remain warm and wet.
