A note on climate in relation to facial eczema outbreaks in sheep in East Gippsland from 1955 to 1964

Abstract

Facial eczema outbreaks of unprecedented severity occurred in Gippsland during 1956 and 1959. With the object of defining the climatic factors associated with disease-outbreaks of this nature, the minimum air-temperature and rainfall recordings made at the R.A.A.F. base, East Sale, from 1955 to 1964 have been noted and critically analysed. The climatic conditions which appear to be necessary for the development of P. chartarum in amounts sufficient to cause facial eczema of sheep In epidemic proportions, are defined for non-irrigated areas.