Plan to head off FE

"Plan for the worst and have a robust FE preventative plan that protects animals from this insidious disease," says Andrew Oakley, technical manager of Agritrade, the supplier of the Time Capsule zinc bolus.

He says rain after warm drought conditions and a shortage of pasture brings conditions ripe for spore counts to soar.

"The most favourable condition for the growth of spores causing FE is rain following long periods of dry. Dead pasture material at the base of the sward is the medium on which Pithomyces spores grow and warm ground temperatures (>12°C) following rain are perfect for rapid spore growth," Oakley says.

"As the pastures disappear with drought FE risk increases as animals are forced to graze lower into the litter where the spores reside. It's critical that farmers continuously monitor, using either pasture or faecal testing, to determine when preventative action is necessary to ensure animals are adequately protected."

Oakley says March and April are often the peak months for FE spore counts but high counts can happen in January or even earlier. "But animals need not be at risk.... FE is preventable with a sound management plan."

Sheep farmers especially should take note; often the breeding season coincides with peak spore counts. "Many ewe losses can be attributed to liver damage caused by FE and ewes exposed to even a moderate FE challenge can show a delayed onset of oestrus, a decreased numbers of oestruses and a reduced lambing percentage."

Oakley says spore testing is easy to do and is available from most veterinarians and takes the guesswork out of the equation. He advises to use district spore counts as a guide only as they are not applicable to individual properties.

While no one method is 100% effective against FE, he says the Agritrade Time Capsule zinc bolus has been a reliable preventative option for sheep and cattle for 20 years.

"By the time FE becomes visible, the damage to the liver has already occurred. Prevention is the cure."