FECPAK has launched a Facial Eczema testing solution that provides pasture spore counts and faecal spore counts, combining on-farm sampling with FECPAK’s digital, AI-supported testing platform to deliver fast results and help farmers, veterinarians and advisors make earlier, informed management decisions.  

The new Facial Eczema test helps farmers understand the spore challenge present on pasture and the level of spores animals have recently ingested. Combining these two sample types with FECPAK rapid reporting and online results portal provides a complete picture of Facial Eczema risk on farm and supports better timing of interventions such as grazing management and zinc use.  

Facial Eczema is one of New Zealand’s most significant seasonal livestock health challenges. Because there is no cure, prevention is critical. It is estimated to cost New Zealand farmers over $300 million each year through lost production, reduced growth, lower fertility and animal health impacts. Monitoring spore levels gives farmers results to make informed grazing management decisions and timely, targeted treatment to avoid and protect against the disease. This helps farmers reduce the risk of liver damage, production loss and animal welfare impacts associated with toxic sporidesmin exposure.  

Pasture spore counts indicate the number of spores present in a paddock, guiding decisions about where and when animals should graze. Faecal spore counts indicate the number of spores animals have ingested over a recent grazing period. Together, these tests help farmers move beyond guesswork and base their decisions on timely, farm-specific information.  

Founder and Managing Director of Techion – the company which developed FECPAK - Greg Mirams, said the ability to run quick, faecal and/or pasture spore counts on farm will be especially valuable for dairy farmers managing facial eczema risk through the season.  

“For dairy farmers, the real advantage is being able to do daily faecal spore counts within minutes before washing down the yard. Cows bring the samples in for you, and the FECPAK Facial Eczema test gives a picture of their exposure to Facial Eczema. That means farmers can respond quickly by shifting the mob to a safer area or treating animals in a targeted way,” said Mirams.  

Tuanui Farming Company, Co-owner and Operations Manager, Kieran Wills has been trialling the machine all year. “I can’t get over how easy Facial Eczema spore testing is; it’s actually easier than conducting a FEC test.” 

“Before undertaking the facial eczema testing, we were making assumptions or relying on general regional information from vets that was usually at least a week old. Now, we have immediate data and can make management decisions based on fact rather than guessing.” 

“It’s a very valuable piece of equipment for us, after trialling it this year we wouldn’t be without it. The way the data is emailed and displayed is great, being able to see results categorised by paddock and mob over time is incredibly useful,” Wills said.   

“This year, we tested both the paddock and the animals when we started feeding out maize silage, which meant we could see it was having a positive impact on Facial Eczema spores.”   

“We feel much better equipped for next season now that we have the data to make informed decisions - we don’t want to be without the Facial Eczema test now!”   

Farmers can access the FECPAK Facial Eczema testing via the FECPAK Multi Test Kits at their nearest Farmlands store or purchase the FECPAK Facial Eczema system for on-farm use through Farmlands. Those visiting FIELDAYS this week can see the FECPAK Facial Eczema testing system at the Farmlands Marquee.   

For more information about FECPAK Facial Eczema testing, or to find out how pasture and faecal spore testing can support your farm management programme, contact your local Farmlands store. FECPAK Facial Eczema testing sits alongside a wider range of tests including; FEC, Lung Worm, Fluke and new Worm ID for sheep.  

About FECPAK and Techion 

Techion digital diagnostics deliver results and data at the time and place of care to support solutions to animal health. Its FECPAK platform provides on-farm and in-lab parasite testing for sheep, cattle, horses, goats and camelids, with results available within minutes. Portable microscopes capture images of faecal samples and transmit them to the FECPAK cloud for AI and technician analysis. Results are securely stored, enabling farmers and their advisors to make informed treatment decisions. FECPAK products are available through Farmlands, including FEC, Lung Worm, Fluke and new Facial Eczema and Worm ID for sheep tests. Worm ID for beef will be released shortly