Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Facial Eczema and Liver Welfare

Facial eczema is a mycotoxin-induced liver disease of sheep causing severe photosensitisation and suffering, particularly in New Zealand and Australia.

Key Facts

Facial eczema is caused by sporidesmin mycotoxin produced by Pithomyces chartarum fungus
Spore counts peak in late summer and autumn when conditions are warm and moist
Liver damage causes photosensitisation, skin necrosis and severe animal suffering
Zinc supplementation and fungicide treatment provide partial prevention
Breeding for tolerance to sporidesmin is a long-term genetic management strategy

Welfare Considerations

Facial eczema causes severe and prolonged suffering including painful skin necrosis and liver damage. Prevention through monitoring, supplementation and genetic selection is far preferable to treatment. Affected animals require veterinary intervention and may need euthanasia.

What You Can Do

Support breeding programmes selecting for sporidesmin tolerance in sheep
Advocate for monitoring and prevention programmes in at-risk regions
Choose certified products from farms with documented facial eczema management