SPORE TESTING: UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS

Words by Tiffany Menzies – Farmlands Veterinarian

Kiwi company Techion has developed FECPAK^G2 kits to test livestock dung for gut worms and  facial eczema spores.

FECPAK^G2 kits can be used for testing spore levels on pasture samples too. The kits are quick and easy to use to collect and send samples to the laboratory. Multiple animal species can be assessed too, whether sheep, goats, cattle, horses, or alpaca while testing several parameters.

Regular monitoring of multiple mobs for worms is important, particularly in growing youngsters lacking developed immunity to parasites, or alternatively when planning the allotment of spring grazing areas for ewes pregnant with multiple lambs. Ideally test with FECPAK^G2 prior to and 7-14 days after a drench treatment is given, or for lambs and calves 28 days after their previous drench. Having this information puts you in the driver’s seat with a better steer on the best available options to mitigate parasite risks in vulnerable stock. Over time, collecting test data helps you optimally steward the effective drench actives suitable for use in your situation.

A key focus of sustainable livestock farming today is on how to farm with drench resistance rather than without. This includes taking a more holistic parasite management approach by using tools such as grazing practices, cropping alternatives, varying classes of livestock and/or inter-species for grazing paddocks, and dung testing to help enable evidence-based decisions that support optimal animal health performance while upholding appropriate levels of animal welfare.

FACIAL ECZEMA

Facial eczema is a disease of pasture grazing livestock (apart from horses) which damages the liver, caused by the fungal mycotoxin sporidesmin, and whose unwelcome presence is chiefly felt during warm humid summer and autumn weather. Affected animals may exhibit a range of skin photosensitivity symptoms, poorer productive performance, or they may die. The disease can be considerably painful, a significant adverse animal welfare impact.

As facial eczema has no treatment, prevention is crucial. Regular and ongoing monitoring of facial eczema spore counts trending on your property is key, identified through testing pasture or dung samples. Pasture spore counts show potential consumption while faecal spore counts confirm the actual spore numbers ingested one to two days prior to sampling. Faecal spore counts are especially useful for detecting earlier than expected rising spore counts from November onwards, and at the tail end of the season to help inform when zinc treatments for facial eczema can be stopped.

Always consult your animal health professional for specific advice relevant to your livestock and property grazing situation. You should also refer to industry info and guidelines for other recommended actions available, to safeguard your livestock against facial eczema.