Looking After Cows Affected by Facial Eczema Over Winter and Spring

Facial eczema (FE) continues to be a significant issue for dairy herds across the Waikato, and we’ve recently seen a surge in clinical cases presenting in cattle. Many of these cases involve severely affected cows, with farmers reporting symptoms such as photosensitivity, reduced appetite, and even “cows passing blood.”

Whole herd blood testing across several farms has confirmed widespread liver damage, even in animals that may not yet be showing obvious clinical signs.

So, what can you do to support cows affected by facial eczema heading into winter and spring?

Immediate Support for Facial Eczema in Cattle

Early intervention is critical to reduce liver damage and support recovery. Key treatments and management strategies include:

• Pain relief and anti-inflammatory treatment to improve comfort and welfare
• Access to shade or shelter to prevent further sun damage
• Vitamin B12 injections to support liver function and appetite
• Calcium supplementation to assist rumen and gut activity
• Topical zinc creams applied to affected skin areas
• Ongoing zinc supplementation
• Drying off affected cows early where appropriate

With the right care and nutrition, many cows can make strong recoveries, even after significant liver damage.

Managing Facial Eczema Cows Through the Dry Period

Once cows are dried off, the focus shifts to rebuilding condition and supporting liver repair.

Key Goals

• Target a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 5 at calving
• Feed preferentially to regain condition
• Monitor mineral status with early dry period blood testing:
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorus
  • Selenium
  • Vitamin B12

Supplementation to Consider

• Magnesium throughout the dry period (avoid over-supplementing)
• Gypsum (calcium sulphate) and anionic salts for springers
• Well-managed transition feeding prior to calving

Calving Management for Facial Eczema-Affected Cows

Cows with a history of facial eczema are at greater risk of metabolic issues at calving.

• Provide calcium supplementation at calving (e.g. boluses)
• Administer a Vitamin B12 injection at calving
• Pick up calves twice daily to reduce stress on affected cows

Colostrum and Early Lactation Strategies

During colostrum and early lactation, aim to reduce metabolic demand:

• Milk once a day during the colostrum period
• Provide high-quality feed ad lib:
  • PKE or PKE/maize blends
  • Good quality baleage

Note: Once-a-day milking will affect dry cow therapy withholding periods.

Supporting Mineral Balance and Ongoing Health

• Continue calcium supplementation through early lactation
• Use lime flour in feed or pasture
• Maintain appropriate magnesium levels (avoid excess)
• Conduct follow-up blood testing (Ca, Mg, phosphate)

Improving Reproductive Outcomes

For cows below BCS 5 at calving:

• Consider once-a-day milking until mating (AB) finishes
• Helps improve condition and reproductive performance

Work With Your Vet to Create a Tailored Plan

Every farm is different, and facial eczema requires a farm-specific approach.

Our veterinary team can support you with:

• Blood testing and interpretation
• Nutrition and supplementation planning
• Transition and calving management
• Recovery and reproduction strategies

Need help managing facial eczema this season?

‍Contact your nearest Vetora clinic for expert, practical support tailored to your farm.

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