04/01/2024
Welcome to our Facial Eczema Spore Count Bulletin for 2024.
5/01/2024
Shannon - 0
Ihakara - 0
Foxton - 10,000
Moutoa - 20,000
Waitarere - 10,000
Levin - 0
Kuku - 0
Manakau - 10,000
Otaki - 0
Te Horo - 25,000
Recommendations:
The spore counts have risen, especially for Te Horo and Moutoa. We have had a rise in soil temperatures making it the perfect weather conditions for spores. For the following sites, the counts are still low; Shannon, Ihakara, Foxton, Waitarere, Levin, Kuku, Manakau and Otaki. There is time to prepare for these locations. Please refer to the recommendations below for your method of prevention. We will continue to update you weekly with recommendations based on spore counts. Every property is different. We recommend spore counting your own property if you are worried. Talk to the tech team if you have any questions about how to collect the sample. Spore counting is $33 (incl GST) per sample, dropping to $26 for multiple samples.
Alpacas - begin feeding zinc pellets now for Foxton, Moutoa, Waitarere, Manakau and Te Horo. Alpacas are affected by facial eczema at low counts of 10,000.
Bolusing or oral drenching โ Te Horo, and Moutoa should begin now. For other sites, wait until counts are around 20,000.
Water dosing (cattle) โ start with quarter doses now, if you have not already, and look to increase every 5-7 days by a quarter. Te Horo and Moutoa should be on full doses now. All other sites should be on half doses until spore count rise. Avoid increasing the amount on very hot days.
Pasture spraying โ This needs to be carried out early, before the counts rise. It is best to bring in some grass to see what your counts are doing on your farm. The spray will slow the development of the fungus, but must be done before the counts reach 20,000. Pasture needs to be green and growing. Pasture will be safe for 4-6 weeks after.
Feeding a crop โ crops are generally lower in spore counts. If you have a crop, then saving until counts are a bit higher may be helpful
Breeding โ Facial eczema tolerance can be selected for using rams or bulls. These tolerant animals can then leave progeny with some tolerance to facial eczema. This is a long-term plan.
If you have any questions pop into clinic or give us a call on 06 368 2891 (Extension 1 for the farm team)
