Farmers are being encouraged to join the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Sheep Poo study, a crucial part of the Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts programme ahead of the new season.
About 200 farmers have already signed up for the study, but more are needed. Farmers do not need to have had facial eczema (FE) on their farms to take part.
Dr Suzi Keeling, BLNZ sector science strategy manager, said the work will build greater knowledge of the extent of FE throughout New Zealand and the potential impact of a changing climate on the disease.
“We need 350 farmers, 22 each from 16 regions around New Zealand to join the programme,” said Keeling.
“It’s very straightforward and just involves collecting some sheep poo samples fortnightly from October-May. BLNZ covers the cost of the sampling kits and the return packaging.
“Greater knowledge about the prevalence of FE spores throughout New Zealand is important for developing tools to help farmers mitigate the impacts of the disease.”
Researchers will analyse the sheep poo samples to see if they contain the fungal spores associated with FE, which indicates the risk of FE on the farm. Farmers will receive free FE spore counts over the season, access to an online map showing results and opportunities to network with other farmers.
Paul Crick, chair of BLNZ’s Farmer Research Advisory Group, is taking part in the study on his Wairarapa farm.
“Facial eczema is a growing challenge for many farmers. Being part of the Sheep Poo study is a practical way to contribute to critical research that aims to eliminate the impact of FE in New Zealand.”
The disease, associated with a toxin-producing fungus, affects pasture-grazing livestock and there is no cure. The toxin can cause permanent liver damage resulting in reduced fertility, weight loss, slowed growth, photosensitivity and sunburn. If the animal survives, its production will be limited for life. BLNZ estimates FE costs the New Zealand economy around $332 million every year.
Farmers can register their interest in participating in the Sheep Poo study by October 4.
