increase font size
A RAT test aimed at early detection of facial eczema may help manage a disease that costs the economy millions each year.
A rapid antigen test (RAT) aimed at early detection of facial eczema (FE) in ruminants may help manage a disease that costs the New Zealand economy millions of dollars each year.
The Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund is investing more than $35,000 in a project with Tokaora Diagnostics to develop a prototype FE RAT and undertake field testing. The test could be used with sheep, cattle and deer, but initial trials will focus on dairy cattle.
FE is caused by a toxin found in fungal spores that grows on dead and dying plant matter in warm, moist conditions The damage is does to the liver causes the body to be unable to process waste and, along with a breakdown of chlorophyll in the skin, leads to heightened photosensitivity. This gives the pronounced sunburn and cracked skin that gives the disease its name.
MPI’s director of investment programmes Steve Penno says that, as a liver disease, facial eczema often doesn’t show physical symptoms until it’s too late to save the animal.
“FE is a long-standing issue for our agricultural sector and with climate change it’s expected to get worse as the spores that cause the disease are more likely to grow.”
Testing confirms H5 bird flu in a single northern giant petrel, found dead on a remote Cape Palliser beach in the Wairarapa, says Dr Mary van Andel, the Ministry for Primary Industries' (MPI) Chief Veterinary Officer.
The apple sector is working with the Government to unlock access to two key markets that could bring millions in revenue for apple growers.
OPINION: A simpler, clearer, more effective Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.
The country's second largest milk processor is warning against 'complacency' during a review of competition regulations in the dairy sector.
Blueberry growers are warning that fresh imports could pose a huge biosecurity risk for NZ’s horticulture sector.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.
Meat Industry Association data, released alongside the Red Meat Sector conference in Wellington, shows export value climbing across the US, China, UK and Canada.
Applications are set to open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award, a trans-Tasman award recognised for identifying and fast-tracking talented young leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) and Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network are calling for investment in a proposed new training pathway for rural GPs, warning that many rural practices are struggling to recruit while a large share of the existing workforce nears retirement.
Federated Farmers has called on Central Otago District Council (CODC) to drop or vote down a plan to truck sludge from Alexandra and Cromwell to farmland near Lauder, warning it would compound an "outrageous" situation created by a separate council's decision weeks earlier.
Synlait has swung to second-half profit as operations stabilise, but the dairy processor still posted a $75.4m annual loss.
OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…
