There are two reports of clinical facial eczema outbreaks in Gippsland, the first in a group of 200 yearling heifers in West Gippsland and the other in adult cattle in South Gippsland.
Pasture spore counts on one of the affected farms were in excess of 65,000.
Dairy farmers in West or South Gippsland are advised to implement preventative measures in both their milking herd and dry stock as a matter of urgency if they haven't done so already.
Despite these two reported cases, spore counts on sentinel farms appear to have declined to very low levels.
This highlights the importance of each farmer assessing the risk and speaking with their nutrition adviser or vet.
They may recommend monitoring spore counts on the farm or supplementing with preventative levels of zinc in feed.
It is important to consider blood testing a sample of cows if they have been fedzinc for 100 days or more to check that they are not suffering zinc toxicity.
This week 12 pasture samples were submitted from paddocks in and around the Macalister Irrigation District.
The average spore counts were lower over the last week, the percentage of pasture samples that contained zero spores was higher and the highest spore count was the same as last week.
To keep an eye on rainfall and temperatures, farmers can link the Bureau of Meteorology website for East Sale, West Gippsland, South Gippsland, Yarram, Bairnsdale, Orbost and Bega.
Want to read more stories like this?
Sign up below to receive our e-newsletter delivered fresh to your email in-box twice a week.
