New eco-friendly solutions to combat facial eczema in livestock
Agriculture sectors globally are facing mounting challenges in sustainable farming, particularly with the increasing pressures of climate change, environmental regulations, and the need for efficient resource use, New Zealand based AgResearch Ltd has emerged as a leader in developing eco-friendly solutions.
AgResearch works to enhance the value and productivity of Aotearoa New Zealand’s pastoral, agrifood, and agritech sectors through multidisciplinary research.
Facial eczema, caused by a fungus found in decaying plant matter, is a substantial economic burden for New Zealand and Australian agriculture, resulting in losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Symptoms include severe skin rashes and liver damage which impacts animal health, welfare, and productivity - and is particularly problematic in the dairy industry due to reduced milk yield and reproductive issues.
Dr Tanushree Gupta, Senior Scientist at AgResearch, is leading a pioneering research team focused on reducing incidences of facial eczema in livestock.
“We are addressing the urgent need for safer, sustainable solutions to combat facial eczema, which causes severe health problems and substantial economic losses in the livestock industry,” Dr Gupta said.
“Global warming is expected to increase the prevalence of facial eczema, and existing therapeutic interventions, such as providing zinc to animals or spraying pastures with toxic fungicides can be detrimental to the environment and animal wellbeing.”
Dr Gupta’s team is developing an innovative antifungal product using bioactive compounds derived from natural sources.
The new compound is water-soluble, facilitating easy application through spraying and increasing affordability, with preliminary trials showing 100% efficacy in eliminating fungal spores.
“Our new compound is not only effective but also environmentally friendly. It marks a significant advancement in our efforts to enhance animal health and wellbeing sustainably,” Dr Gupta said.
“This breakthrough has the potential to extend beyond livestock health, with research showing that our bioactive compounds' antifungal properties could be applied to crop protection too.
“We are excited about the possibilities this opens up for both animal and plant health.”
Dr Gupta recently showcased her work at the AgriFutures Australia and growAG. Catalyst Pitch event in Sydney, NSW, where she highlighted her role as a leading innovator. The event was a valuable opportunity for presenting groundbreaking research and exploring investment in sustainability and agricultural innovation.
“The Catalyst Program provided me with an opportunity to deepen my understanding of the commercial aspect of research and development and advocate for this important innovation,” Dr Gupta said.
“Moving forward, we’re seeking support from industry partners, corporates, governments, or investors to scale up our technology for broader production and impact.”
The Catalyst Program supports women in agrifood tech and innovation across Australia and New Zealand, playing a crucial role in identifying and advancing exceptional research and technology innovations. It provides vital support to researchers and innovators looking to commercialise their work and bring their solutions to market.