FECPAK Launches Faster Facial Eczema Testing for Farmers
Parasite testing platform FECPAK has launched a facial eczema testing solution that delivers faster results.
New Zealand innovation company Techion, best known for its animal diagnostics platform, FECPAK has signed an exclusive strategic partnership with Farmlands to bring independent animal health disease intelligence to its customers.
The collaboration is an important step in supporting farm sustainability.
Through the partnership, Farmlands customers will have easy access to FECPAK's on farm and in-store diagnostic testing range, allowing timely and informed decisions when managing disease.
The aim is also to slow the growing challenge of drench resistance while improving animal health, productivity and farm returns.
Techion founder and managing director, Greg Mirams says for more than 20 years, FECPAK has been trusted by farmers for faecal egg count (FEC) testing.
"With FECPAK extending its test menu using its world-leading new digital and AI-enabled technology, we're pleased to have a partner in Farmlands, who can work with us to give farmers access to faster, targeted, independent animal health information."
Farmers visiting their local Farmlands store will see FECPAK's new Animal Health Multi Test Kits in one and three sample options, allowing farmers to select multiple tests from a single sample collection.
The initials test available include Faecal Egg Count (FEC), Facial Eczema (pasture and faecal), Liver Fluke and Worm ID - a new, cutting-edge test that identifies paraite species within hours of sample processing.
The FECPAK Animal Health Multi Test Kits are easy to use, with customers able to choose the test or tests they want, then have the cost of testing added to their Farmlands account.
This makes accessing professional-grade animal health diagnostics easily available.
If they wish, farmers can share the test results with their Farmlands rep, veterinarian or animal health provider.
Among th expanded FECPAK test range, Worm ID is said to be a significant advance in parasite diagnostics.
Traditionally, identifying the worm species relied on larval culture, which can be a slow, costly and labour-intensive process that could be taking up to two weeks.
FECPAK Worm ID uses digital images and analytical software to analyse the worm genus in the sample.
Worm ID is currently available for sheep, with cattle to follow shortly.
Greg Mirams continued, "knowing exactly what worm species are present allows farmers and animal health professionals to make informed and targeted drench decisions, offering a precision approach that is essential if we want to slow the development of drench resistance and protect the effectiveness of the product".
Farmlands will also stock FECPAK FECRT (Faecal Egg Count Reduction Testing), a practical, independent tool that helps farmers confirm whether the drench they are using is still effective.
Delivered as a DIY on‑farm kit, this allows farmers to test the effectiveness of their drenches more accessible and cost‑effective, with regular testing helps identify resistance early, before any significant production losses.
Farmgate lamb prices are down by 8%, beef cattle by 4.5% and farm expenditure up by 4.2%.
Kiwifruit growers are watchful but remain optimistic as concerns around the potential effects of the El Niño weather pattern this season.
Almond hulls sourced from Australian orchards may have the potential to help New Zealand cows reduce emissions, boost milk yield and lower input costs.
Striking a balance between meeting the needs of industry to speed up approval time for products but on the other hand ensuring that risks are properly assessed.
Surprised, humbled and quite thrilled. That’s the reaction of James Allen, one of the founding partners and now chief executive of AgFirst, on being made a life member of the Institute of Rural Professionals.