Eastern Cape Veterinarian Investigates Facial Eczema in Dairy Cattle Linked to Ryegrass
Farmers Magazine | 23.12.2025 15:01
Since 2022, an Eastern Cape veterinarian has been studying the effects of sporidesmin poisoning in dairy cows grazing on ryegrass during the summer months. Sporidesmin, a mycotoxin produced by the fungus Pseudopithomyces chartarum, causes facial eczema, liver damage, and photosensitivity in ruminants. Dr Anthony Davis, of Humansdorp Vet Clinic, warns that similar outbreaks could occur in other parts of South Africa where cattle graze on ryegrass.
