increase font size
Until recently, Sporidesmin, the toxin responsible for FE, was thought to be made by the fungus Pseudopithomyces chartarum.
A breakthrough in the understanding of Facial Eczema (FE) in livestock could bring New Zealand closer to reducing the disease’s impact.
Until recently, Sporidesmin, the toxin responsible for FE, was thought to be made by the fungus Pseudopithomyces chartarum.
However, researchers from AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua, Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) have shown that few Pseudopithomyces chartarum strains appear capable of making sporidesmin, and a new species, Pseudopithomyces toxicarius, is the primary sporidesmin producer, providing a clearer understanding of the disease’s causes, and paving the way for more effective control strategies.
FE has cost the New Zealand economy an estimated $332 million annually.
Dan Brier, B+LNZ’s general manager of farming excellence, says FE has been a long-standing challenge for farmers.
“This research is a vital step toward understanding the fungus and ultimately eliminating its impact,” Brier says.
“Identifying the species responsible gives us a clearer foundation for developing more accurate diagnostic tools and effective management practices. This collaboration highlights the importance of working together to solve this issue, and we’re proud to contribute to this breakthrough,” he says.
“Bringing together farmer-led organisations and researchers is key to delivering practical outcomes that truly make a difference on the ground. By combining real-world farming experience with scientific expertise, we ensure that research is not just theoretical but directly applicable to the challenges farmers face every day," adds Brier.
Dr Bevin Weir, senior scientist at Manaaki Whenua says the findings are the result of years of hard work and dedication from research teams and the farming community.
“Identifying Pseudopithomyces toxicarius as the primary cause of Facial Eczema is a critical step forward and a testament to the commitment of everyone involved.”
As B+LNZ’s Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts (EFEI) programme continues its work, this collaborative research from Beef + Lamb New Zealand, AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua and LIC represents a crucial step in solving the challenges of Facial Eczema.
LIC chief executive David Chin says meeting the revised methane reduction targets will rely on practical science, smart technology, and genuine collaboration across the sector.
Opening a new $3 million methane research barn in Waikato this month, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay called on the dairy sector to “go as fast as you can and prove the concepts”.
This is the third in a series of articles from Beef + Lamb New Zealand's Informing New Zealand Beef programme. The seven-year INZB partnership, supported by Beef+Lamb New Zealand and the Ministry for Primary Industries' Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund, aims to boost the sector's profits by $460m.
The Government has announced it has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research.
Farmers are welcoming the Government’s revised science-based biogenic methane targets for 2050.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
OPINION: The Greens have taken the high moral ground on the Palestine issue and been leading political agitators in related…
One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…
