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Facial Eczema

What is Facial Eczema?

Facial Eczema (FE) is a debilitating disease caused by spores of a fungus that exists in the base of pasture swards. If eaten, these spores release a toxin that attacks the liver of grazing animals, causing blistering of exposed skin.

What is the SPORPAK system?

Traditional monitoring of FE has relied on counting spores in pasture. However, these counts are only an indirect measurement of spores in the sward. SPORPAK is a new testing system that will aid the control of Facial Eczema in farmed animals. The SPORPAK test allows the easy counting of spores in the faeces of animals. Faecal spore counting (FSC) involves counting the spores that have actually passed through the animal. This gives a very accurate assessment of the actual spore intake by the stock.

The SPORPAK system is simple to use. Tests take less than 10 minutes to complete. Once purchased, there are no on-going costs and no limit to the number of tests that are carried out. This means that testing can be carried out on a regular basis.

Why do we need the SPORPAK system?

As the spores are not distributed evenly on pasture it is difficult to gauge the number of spores that have been swallowed by the stock unless the faeces are sampled. Faecal spore counting has been found to be successful in assessing the extent of Facial Eczema risk. Once the risk to stock has been assessed, then appropriate measures can be taken. Monthly samples from August to December and at weekly tests thereafter will monitor the spore levels in the faeces. High frequency monitoring means that problems can be detected before significant production loss sets in. Regular monitoring in conjunction with existing farm management practices such as stock observation will also allow you to make more accurate treatment and management decisions. Without regular FSC information, the lack of “up-to-date” on-farm information means that the FE exposure of the stock is "guessed". This can lead to both under or over treatment.

What are the advantages of SPORPAK?

SPORPAK can either be purchased as a complete self-contained unit, or part of a combined Faecal Egg Counting system for parasite management. The advantage of combining SPORPAK testing with the FECPAK FEC testing system is that 90% of the sample preparation is the same for both tests. This means farmers can pick up one sample and obtain accurate FEC and FSC information in a few minutes.

For those already enjoying the benefits of FEC with their own FECPAK unit, the SPORPAK unit can be purchased as a “bolt-on” purpose-built kit containing the equipment needed for calculating quick faecal spore counts. All SPORPAK equipment is designed to be used on-farm by owners, farmers and managers.

How do we find out more?

Phone: 0800 FECPAK (332 725) within New Zealand or Email Us