Facial eczema is caused by cattle ingesting spores of the fungus Pithomyces chartarum through pastures.

Once ingested, the fungus produces a toxin called sporidesmin in the gastrointestinal tract. This toxin causes damage to the liver and mammary glands and leads to photosensitivity in animals. Infected cattle may develop red, swollen, and peeling skin, particularly around unpigmented areas like their face and udder.
Early identification and preventative management of this condition is crucial for maintaining herd health.
Signs and symptoms of facial eczema
Facial eczema can have huge impacts on animal health. Symptoms may vary from mild to severe and can include:
Cows becoming restless and seeking shade due to sensitivity to sunlight.
Reddening, thickening, or peeling of unpigmented skin, particularly around the face, ears, and udder.
Sudden drop in milk production (up to 50 per cent).
General signs of ill health, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
Conditions that promote facial eczema
Facial eczema is of particular concern for Gippsland dairy farmers, as weather patterns create more favourable conditions for its occurrence. The disease is most prevalent in late summer and early autumn when warm, humid conditions are optimal for fungal sporulation.
High spore counts (>80,000 spores/gram) in pasture are particularly dangerous, so it is essential to monitor environmental conditions closely.
Control and prevention strategies
Effective facial eczema management involves control and prevention strategies:
Pasture Spore Monitoring - Regular monitoring of pasture spore counts is vital during high-risk periods. The Facial Eczema Spore Monitoring Program is taking place again in 2024-2025, funded by GippsDairy and supported by Dairy Australia. This program monitors pasture spore levels throughout high-risk regions during the risk period and allows for intervention as counts starts to rise.
If you would like to subscribe to the spore monitoring report, contact GippsDairy at info@gippsdairy.com.au or 5624 3900.
Zinc Supplementation - Zinc is a proven preventative measure for facial eczema if managed well, as it forms a complex with the sporidesmin toxin and prevents its ability to form oxygen free radicals and cause cell damage. Zinc also inhibits intestinal absorption of copper that catalyses the reaction. Zinc can be given via water, feed, or a bolus, but needs to be commenced 2-3 weeks before the expected high-risk period. It is important to follow veterinary guidance on timing and zinc dosing to avoid toxicity.
Pasture Management - Manage the build-up of soft litter by avoiding topping, manage pasture quality in late spring and avoid grazing below 4cm pasture height during the high-risk period to reduce spore intake and growth.
Alternative Forage - Feeding cows with alternative forage, such as silage or hay, during high-risk periods can also help to reduce grazing pressure and minimize exposure to spores.
Shade and Skin Care - Affected animals should have access to shade to prevent further skin damage due to sunlight exposure. In cases of severe skin irritation, topical treatments and supportive care may be necessary.
Facial eczema poses a significant threat to dairy herds, particularly in regions like Gippsland where environmental conditions can promote the growth of harmful fungal spores. By staying vigilant and implementing preventive measures, such as zinc supplementation and pasture management, farmers can protect their herds while still maintaining productivity during high-risk periods.
For detailed information on facial eczema visit: https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/animals/health-and-welfare/facial-eczema/resources
- Shanky Sungroya, GippsDairy