FACIAL ECZEMA SPORE COUNTING SERVICE

• These spore counts are intended to indicate spore count trends in the district generally

• The counts are taken from a specific sampling area at each site, and they have been chosen to be as representative as possible of normal grazing i.e. they are not hot spots

• The actual count and risk of facial eczema varies from paddock to paddock as well as from farm to farm, depending on location, weather, pasture species grazing history, shelter etc.

• For information on specific localities spore counts would need to be carried out on those sites

• These counts were obtained using a spore trap. Approximate spore levels are indicated on the graphs

• These spore counts are dry counts which provide information on the potential for animals to be exposed to facial eczema i.e. it assesses the risk. The trigger level is 12,000. When spore counts reach this level farmers are advised to take action if they haven’t already

• Alternative counts that we can do at the clinic are wet counts (gives you an idea of the number of spores an animal is likely to ingest) and faecal spore counts (gives you an idea of what an animal has actually eaten). If you would like either of these done please ring us at the clinic for advice on how to collect samples

• If you have any queries regarding the information contained please direct them to Kristina Demler at (06) 3222 333