Economic losses of more than $300 million annually across the sheep, beef, dairy and deer sectors could be significantly reduced with the development of a new facial eczema tolerance test.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand, in collaboration with AgResearch and dnature, shared findings with farmers on an online seminar, providing valuable insights into the Facial Eczema Tolerance Test currently in development as part of the broader Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts (EFEI) programme.
The aim of the programme is to develop an affordable, accurate and animal welfare-friendly FE tolerance test.
The goal is to tell the difference between animals that are susceptible to FE and those that are not, using a blood or tissue sample.
FE is associated with a toxin-producing fungus, resulting in liver damage and in some cases severe sensitivity to sunlight.
Data shows economic losses to the sheep, beef, dairy and deer sectors are estimated at $332m annually.
BLNZ sector science strategy manager Suzi Keeling said the webinar served as an update for farmers, particularly breeders, on the progress toward the new test.
A key impact of FE is due to its sub-clinical effects. That’s where farmers can’t see any damage occurring but the disease is present and can cause substantial harm.
“We are eager for its implementation, but thorough and proper research and validation is necessary, as any new test could impact current FE tolerance methods and outcomes.
“We want to get this right,” Keeling said.
Currently, the in-vivo (inside the animal) methods for determining FE tolerance are unsustainable, prompting the search for alternative, more accessible approaches that minimise animal welfare impacts.
“While uncertainties remain, the commitment to a farm systems approach ensures continued progress in managing FE in New Zealand,” Keeling said.
AgResearch principal scientist Axel Heiser discussed the challenging scientific work involved in developing the tolerance test for sheep, noting that success with sheep could pave the way for effective tests for other ruminants, such as cattle.
Despite the complexities of developing an affordable and accurate test, progress has been made, with two candidate biomarkers identified that could potentially distinguish between tolerant and susceptible sheep.
The next steps, being led by John Mackay at dnature, involve transitioning the markers to a test that a commercial laboratory could run, followed by large-scale validation testing.
If transitioning the test is unsuccessful, alternative options will be explored.
BLNZ’s farmer research advisory group (FRAG) member Warwick Lissaman said FE has typically been a North Island and northern Marlborough problem.
“However, what we know is that outbreaks can occur when conditions are right in a much wider geographical area.
“An outbreak in a naive flock could be a disaster, so it makes sense to be prepared and have tools at the ready.
“The concept that a low-cost test could be developed to identify the most susceptible animals and remove them from our breeding flocks is something worth chasing.
“Ultimately, we know that forage science will be critical in minimising and/or eliminating the presence of fungal spores, but this is a long game.
“Genetic progress, being cumulative, is always worth pursuing,” Lissaman said.
BLNZ principal adviser animal health research Cara Brosnahan said the broader EFEI programme tolerance test development is one part of the initiative to tackle FE in NZ.
Key milestones for the EFEI programme include efforts to differentiate between toxic and non-toxic species of the fungus to better determine risk to livestock, and studying the social impacts of FE on farmers and veterinarians to ensure support for them is in place.
Additionally, the Sheep Poo study, involving more than 200 farmers, has been invaluable in understanding the occurrence of FE nationwide, Brosnahan said.
