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Facial Eczema in Sheep: Welfare and Management

Facial eczema (photosensitisation from sporidesmin) causes severe welfare impacts in sheep in endemic regions. This guide covers prevention and management.

Key Facts

Facial eczema results from liver damage caused by sporidesmin toxin
The toxin is produced by Pithomyces chartarum fungus in pasture litter
Liver damage causes photosensitisation affecting sun-exposed white skin areas
Welfare impacts include intense pain, skin sloughing, and secondary infection
Affects sheep primarily in New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa
Prevention requires pasture spore count monitoring and zinc supplementation

Welfare Considerations and Management

Sheep welfare management for facial eczema focuses heavily on prevention as treatment of established disease is supportive only. Zinc supplementation (oral or injectable) provides hepatoprotection against sporidesmin. Avoiding high-risk paddocks during peak spore periods reduces exposure. Shade provision helps affected animals. Fungicide application to pasture reduces spore burden. Breeding programmes selecting for tolerance have shown promise in New Zealand research.

What You Can Do

Monitor pasture spore counts during risk periods and act on high counts
Implement zinc supplementation programmes as hepatoprotection during risk periods
Provide shade and remove affected animals from sunlight immediately
Consider selecting for facial eczema tolerance when choosing breeding stock