Facial eczema

Facial eczema is a mycotoxic disease that affects the liver of several animals, mainly sheep and cattle, but can also infect other ungulates.

Its visible symptoms are characterized by red skin that turns black and crusty before peeling off, as well as inflammation that can cause swelling of the udder, teats, ears and face.

The fungus grows on dead plants, especially on perennial ryegrass near the ground (25mm height).

It most commonly grows between January and May, as it requires warm, humid conditions, as well as moisture at ground level.

Sporidesmin is hepatotoxic and leads to hepatogenous photosensitization and phylloerythrin accumulation in the bloodstream.

[2] This causes – as a secondary effect – photosensitization, this means the inflammation of unpigmented areas and exposed skin (ears, teat, face) and photodynamic dermatitis.

[4] Zinc reacts with sporidesmin to create a metallic complex, so that the poison can be eliminated from the body.