Livestock

Facial Eczema in Cattle: A Welfare Concern in Warm Climates

Welfare guide to facial eczema (sporidesmia toxicosis) in cattle -- a severe metabolic disease of warm-climate pastured animals.

Key Facts

Facial eczema is caused by sporidesmin toxin produced by Pithomyces chartarum fungus on pasture
It causes severe liver damage and photosensitisation -- affected animals develop painful skin lesions when exposed to sunlight
It is primarily a disease of New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa -- but relevant to imported cattle and changing climates
Cattle with liver damage cannot detoxify phylloerythrin produced from chlorophyll -- causing photosensitisation
Affected animals develop severe dermatitis on exposed skin -- ears, face, and udder are most affected
Pain from photosensitised skin in sunlight is severe -- animals shelter and lose body condition rapidly
Prevention through fungicide pasture treatment or zinc supplementation is highly effective
Shade provision is essential welfare management for affected animals

Welfare Significance

Facial eczema causes severe welfare harm from both liver damage and the intense photosensitised skin pain. Animals unable to avoid sunlight face unbearable discomfort that fundamentally impairs welfare. Prevention is highly effective and far preferable to treatment of established disease. In risk areas, proactive monitoring of spore counts and timely intervention are welfare-critical actions.

What You Can Do

Monitor pasture spore counts in risk areas during warm humid periods
Implement zinc supplementation programmes during high-risk periods in endemic areas
Provide adequate shade for all cattle on pasture during risk periods
Seek veterinary assessment immediately for any animal showing skin lesions or jaundice on suspect pasture