Attention all wheatbelt livestock producers! If your farms have lupin stubbles, it’s crucial to keep a vigilant eye on your flocks for the potentially deadly liver disease known as lupinosis, especially after the heavy rains we experienced in November.
In recent weeks, multiple reports have surfaced indicating the presence of this illness in sheep populations, particularly concentrated in the southern areas where lupin crops are increasingly being utilized for grazing while still standing.
Judy Burson, a field veterinary officer with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), strongly advises farmers to conduct regular inspections of their sheep for any signs that might suggest the onset of lupinosis, stressing the importance of swift action if symptoms arise.
"Lupin crops and stubbles offer significant nutritional value, but they require careful oversight to prevent health issues," Dr. Burson explained.
The initial indicators of lupinosis can be quite subtle and may include a decreased appetite, weight loss, disorientation, and lethargy, particularly when the sheep are driven. You might also notice some individuals struggling to keep pace with the rest of the flock or lingering near water sources.
In more advanced cases, you might observe severe disorientation, blindness, unusual behaviors like head pressing, a hunched posture, and yellowing of the membranes around the eyes and mouth.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's imperative to remove the affected animals from the pasture immediately and consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. The sooner action is taken, the better the chances of minimizing the impact on your entire flock or herd.
Lupinosis primarily occurs when livestock consume lupin stubble contaminated with the fungus Diaporthe toxica (which was once referred to as Phomopsis leptostromiformis). Although modern varieties of narrow leaf lupins are generally resistant to phomopsis, instances of the disease can still occur under the right conditions.
Dr. Burson emphasized that livestock exhibiting symptoms will require special care following their relocation to different paddocks. "It’s best to transfer them to a smaller area that provides ample shade and fresh water for at least a couple of weeks," she suggested.
Additionally, it’s advisable to feed them high-quality hay along with small quantities of oats if necessary, but avoid giving them any lupins, as the compromised liver cannot handle a high-protein diet effectively. Complete recovery can take up to six months for certain animals.
A professional diagnosis by a veterinarian is essential since the symptoms of lupinosis can resemble those of other diseases, some of which may be exotic to Australia.
Farmers may also find financial assistance through the Significant Disease Investigation Program, which supports early detection efforts for various livestock ailments, excluding emergency diseases. For further information, feel free to reach out to your private veterinarian or a DPIRD field veterinarian.
You can also access detailed resources on identifying and managing lupinosis via the dedicated Lupinosis webpage.
