Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts

Facial eczema (FE) remains one of the most significant animal health challenges affecting New Zealand’s grazing livestock. Caused by the toxin‑producing fungus Pseudopithomyces toxicarius, FE thrives in warm, humid conditions—particularly in ryegrass pastures with high litter levels. There is currently no cure. Even animals that survive may suffer lifelong health and production losses. The disease is estimated to cost the industry around $332 million every year, making effective prevention and management essential.

This course is delivered by the Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts (EFEI) programme, led and funded by Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ), with support from MPI. 

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Date

Available from Monday 5 October 2026.

Audience

This course is best suited to veterinarians and veterinary technicians who wish to understand more on the topic about facial eczema so they can recognise and diagnose it, implement preventative strategies and respond to outbreaks and support their farmers.

Format

This is a self-directed online course consisting of notes, presentations, additional resources and quizzes.

Topics

EFEI Programme

  • Why?
  • What the research is telling us (Spread of spores, Toxicarius, PCR test)
  • Economic Impact

Triage

  • Asking the question
  • Hidden signs of FE
  • FE season

Diagnostics

  • GGT
  • Faecal spore counting
  • Pasture spore counting
  • Liver histo. (partner Awanui?)

Prevention

  • Predictive model (Ingenum)
  • The genetic solution (partner FE Gold/ ARDG/LIC) - Ramguard (partner BSI Agresearch)
  • Pastures / forage and grazing management
  • Zinc and fungicide.

Supportive treatments

  • Zinc
  • Manderson’s Mix
  • Alternative pastures/ feed supplementation
  • Trace elements.

Supporting farmers through FE outbreaks

  • Farmer stories- vet stories
  • Farm Salus
  • Who can help you help?
  • R.S.T and Farmstrong

Learning objectives

This course provides the knowledge and tools needed to recognise, diagnose, prevent, and respond to FE in livestock, while supporting farmers through high‑risk periods and outbreaks.

Understand the biology and epidemiology of FE

  • Describe the fungus responsible for FE including its name and the conditions that promote spore growth.
  • Interpret data on spore distribution, disease prevalence and regional risk factors.

Recognise clinical and subclinical signs of FE

  • Identify visible symptoms (photosensitisation, weight loss) and hidden indicators during FE season.
  • Apply triage principles to assess risk and prioritise interventions.

Apply diagnostic tools effectively

  • Understand and interpret GGT blood tests, faecal and pasture spore counts, and liver histology.
  • Collaborate with diagnostic partners for accurate and timely results.

Implement prevention strategies

  • Use predictive models to anticipate FE risk and advise farmers on timing of interventions.
  • Evaluate genetic solutions (Ramguard, FE Gold, ARDG, LIC, CRV) and their role in breeding tolerance.
  • Advise on pasture and grazing management techniques to reduce exposure.
  • Advise on administering zinc and fungicides safely and effectively.

Respond to FE outbreaks and support farmers

  • Develop treatment plans for affected animals, considering prognosis and welfare.
  • Recognise stress triggers during high-pressure FE seasons and feel confident to utilise networks to encourage farmers to get support

Cost

NZVA Members - veterinarians and veterinary technicians: $100
Non-members - veterinarians and veterinary technicians: $150

Contact

Shannon Leader
Events Manager
vetlearn@vets.org.nz