Be vigilant about lupinosis in your livestock after summer showers!
If you're a livestock producer in the Wheatbelt region with lupin stubbles, it's crucial to keep an eye out for signs of lupinosis, a liver disease, especially after the recent widespread rainfall in November.
There have been reports of this disease affecting sheep flocks, notably in the southern areas where lupin crops are increasingly being used as a grazing option.
But here's where it gets controversial: Even though modern narrow-leaf lupin varieties typically resist phomopsis, they can still develop lupinosis under the right conditions.
Judy Burson, a field veterinary officer from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), recommends regular checks for lupinosis symptoms and swift action if the disease is suspected.
"Lupin crops or stubbles are a great feed source, but they require careful management," Dr. Burson emphasizes.
Early signs of lupinosis can be quite subtle, including reduced appetite, weight loss, disorientation, and lethargy when driven. More severe cases show disorientation, blindness, head-pressing behavior, a hunched appearance, and yellowing of the membranes around the eyes and in the mouth.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's crucial to remove the affected stock from the paddock immediately and seek veterinary advice for an accurate diagnosis.
And this is the part most people miss: Taking action early can significantly reduce the impact of the disease on your flock or herd.
Lupinosis is primarily caused by the consumption of lupin stubble containing the fungus Diaporthe toxica (previously known as Phomopsis leptostromiformis).
Once livestock are affected, they require additional care. Dr. Burson suggests moving them to a small paddock with plenty of shade and water for a couple of weeks. She also recommends providing quality hay and small amounts of oats, but no lupins, as the damaged liver cannot handle a high-protein diet.
It can take up to six months for some animals to fully recover.
A professional diagnosis by a veterinarian is highly recommended, as lupinosis symptoms can resemble other diseases, including exotic diseases not native to Australia.
Subsidies under the Significant Disease Investigation Program may be available for investigations that rule out emergency diseases, aiding in early detection.
For more information, contact your private veterinarian or a DPIRD field veterinarian. You can also visit the Lupinosis webpage for detailed information on identification and management.
