Farm Animals

Sheep Facial Eczema: A Serious Welfare Problem in New Zealand and Beyond

Facial eczema caused by sporidesmin toxin from Pithomyces chartarum causes severe liver and skin damage in sheep in New Zealand and parts of Australia. Understanding the welfare impact matters.

Key Facts

Facial eczema affects thousands of sheep annually in warm, humid regions of New Zealand
The toxin sporidesmin is produced by a fungus growing on pasture litter
Liver damage causes photosensitisation leading to severe skin burns on unpigmented areas
Affected sheep suffer from burning, peeling skin, and secondary infections
Zinc supplementation reduces uptake of sporidesmin and protects sheep with appropriate timing
Genetic resistance breeding programmes are reducing flock susceptibility over time

Welfare Considerations

Facial eczema causes acute and chronic suffering. Photosensitised skin burns in sunlight cause extreme pain, especially on ears and muzzle. Liver damage may be subclinical in mild cases but severe cases involve welfare-compromising systemic illness. Prevention through zinc supplementation and pasture management reduces incidence significantly. Affected animals require shade, veterinary treatment, and sometimes humane euthanasia in severe cases.

What You Can Do

Support research into facial eczema-resistant sheep genetics in affected regions
Learn about zinc supplementation timing and protocols if farming sheep in high-risk areas
Advocate for mandatory facial eczema monitoring in New Zealand and Australian sheep welfare standards