10/01/2025
Welcome to our Facial Eczema Spore Count Bulletin for 2025 - this pinned post will be updated each week, so please revisit to see what the spore count is in your area.
07.03.25
Shannon: 95,000
Ihakara: 30,000
Foxton: 205,000
Moutoa: 50,000
Waitarere: 185,000
Levin: 0
Ohau : 50,000
Manakau: 30,000
Otaki: 10,000
Te Horo: 150,000
As expected with the current weather conditions spore counts have increased in most areas. It is important to remember that counts around 20-40,000 are high enough to cause liver damage.
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 $35 (incl GST) per sample, dropping to $28 for multiple samples.
Alpacas - Alpacas are affected by facial eczema at low counts of 10,000 and should be protected in all areas.
Bolusing or oral drenching โ Due to the cumulative effect of spores on the liver even areas with low counts should consider zinc protection.
Water dosing (cattle) โ All sites that have started their zinc should continue according to their treatment plan. Look to increase every 5-7 days by a quarter. Avoid increasing the amount on very hot days. Commercial properties at all other sites should consider doing pre-zinc blood tests, if not already been done, before spore counts rise.
Pasture spraying โ Spraying will slow the development of the fungus but must be done before the counts reach 20,000. Pasture needs to be green and growing. If you sprayed 4-6 weeks ago it is time to consider respraying.
Feeding a crop โ Crops are generally lower in spore counts.
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)