Bega and Eurobodalla dairy farmers are urged to continue considering zinc oxide supplements for their stock with counts above the threshold of 20,000 spores/gram of pasture being detected.
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District veterinarian for South East Local Land Services, Helen Schaefer said recent warm weather and moisture continue to create ideal conditions for spore growth which can lead to facial eczema (FE).
Spore counts of up to 15,000 in the Bega Valley and up to 60,000 in the Bodalla area have been measured last week.
The paddock in which the highest counts were detected had two cuts done: a “higher” cut simulating what the cattle might eat in a light grazing and a “lower” cut which is the standard measure.
The lower cut is taken to 1cm above the base of the sward. The “high” cut yielded zero spores with the “lower” yielding 60,000. This highlights how pasture management can be used to minimize the risk of facial eczema occurring in livestock.
If you have concerns about your pastures and FE, please consider submitting pasture samples to the Bega Veterinary Hospital for spore counting.
Spore counts from sentinel farms in our area and Gippsland, and more information about FE can be found at https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/facial eczema.
For more information, please contact Helen Schaefer, District Veterinarian, South East Local Land Services at 0417 296 739.