Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Facial Eczema Welfare Management

Facial eczema is a fungal toxin disease causing severe liver damage and photosensitization in sheep. Prevention and welfare management are well-established.

Key Facts

Facial eczema is caused by the fungal toxin sporidesmin produced in warm wet conditions
Affected sheep suffer painful skin lesions, liver damage, and welfare decline
Zinc supplementation before fungal spore peaks prevents sporidesmin uptake in the liver
Breeding for resistance using spore challenge tests has produced resistant flocks in New Zealand
Pasture fungicide treatment and delayed grazing of high-risk paddocks reduce exposure

Welfare Considerations

Facial eczema is a preventable welfare catastrophe in affected sheep flocks. The suffering from photosensitive skin lesions and liver failure is severe, yet effective prevention tools exist. The challenge is farmer awareness and timely intervention before spore counts reach dangerous levels.

What You Can Do

Support farmer education programs about facial eczema prediction and prevention
Advocate for subsidized zinc supplementation programs in high-risk regions
Choose lamb from producers with documented facial eczema management protocols
Support genetic selection programs for eczema-resistant sheep breeds