B.AHE.0081-South Gippsland Autumn Setback Syndrome

Summary

An uncharacterised syndrome causing weight loss, liver damage and photosensitisation in beef cattle has been described in south Gippsland. A number of producers have reported losses, however the range of clinical signs observed means it may be overlooked or confused with other conditions, such as facial eczema.

An observational study with monthly sampling was undertaken over a five month period on three farms in south-east Gippsland. The syndrome was observed in early winter on one of the three farms, with 7% of steers affected by diarrhoea, photosensitisation and weight loss. A proportion of these were confirmed to have severe liver damage. At this time, there was an increase in mould counts on pastures that the steers were grazing. It is suspected that a mycotoxin produced by an as yet unidentified fungus is causing the syndrome, although this has not been confirmed. However, as a result of this study of the syndrome, ways of investigating it and its impact on production are now better understood. There have been anecdotal reports of clinical signs similar to these seen in other high winter rainfall areas, such as King Island and parts of Tasmania. Further work should include observations on farms in these areas as well as south Gippsland.

Objectives

The objective was to quantify the impact of this uncharacterised syndrome, which causes yearling cattle to grow less than expected from reasonable quality pastures over the late summer/autumn.

Key findings

The syndrome was observed on one of the farms, with 7% of steers exhibiting diarrhoea, photosensitisation and weight loss. Of these, a proportion were confirmed to have severe liver damage. This corresponded with an increase in mould counts on the pastures the steers were grazing, suggesting that a mycotoxin produced an unidentified fungus that causes the syndrome.

Benefits to industry

This syndrome causes severe liver damage and weight loss that impacts production. Although the cause has not yet been confirmed, as a result of this study ways of investigating the syndrome and its impact on production are now better understood.

Future research

Further research should be conducted into the exact nature of the toxin and the fungi that may be producing it, as well as potential management and control measures. Furthermore, there are anecdotal reports of similar clinical signs in other high rainfall areas such as King Island and parts of Tasmania, so further research should include observations from these areas as well as south Gippsland.