The latest on facial eczema: Risks, research and real solutions | Ep. 115

Facial eczema is one of the toughest animal health challenges facing livestock farmers. It’s estimated to cost the dairy and red meat sectors $330 million in lost production every year. As summer gets hotter and more humid, the risk rises – and research shows it’s not just a North Island problem.

In this episode of Talking Dairy, Jac McGowan talks with two experts who bring both science and practical know-how. Dr Cara Brosnahan, principal scientist at Beef + Lamb New Zealand, leads the Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts research programme. She explains what the team is learning about the disease, with results from a recent farmer survey and what solutions this research will deliver for farmers in the future. Mitch Cooper, DairyNZ senior technical and policy advisor and former dairy vet, shares practical steps to prevent facial eczema, from monitoring spore counts to planning zinc supplementation.

Find out more about the research - B+LNZ Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts programme 

View DairyNZ information about facial eczema 

Download the DairyNZ Facial Eczema Management Guide 

Get the 7 Steps to Managing Facial Eczema Using Zinc