22. Primary Photosensitisation (“sunburn”) in lambs and cattle

In this, our latest Rumen Room podcast, we’ve got a summer-themed podcast for you. With many of us heading away to beaches and lakes and lots of outdoor activities, we’re very aware of the importance of prevention of sunburn for us and our families. Ever thought about our sheep and cattle? Yes, under some circumstances, sheep and cattle can sometimes experience a condition called ‘photosensitisation’ – which looks very much like an extreme version of sunburn.

In this podcast hosted by New Zealand veterinarian and nutritionist Dr Charlotte Westwood, this ‘photosensitisation’ condition is explored and explained. “Primary photosensitisation” is explored and contrasted with the other form of photosensitisation “Secondary photosensitisation” due to conditions such as Facial Eczema (otherwise known as sporidesmin toxicity) that’ll be discussed in a later podcast (stay tuned for that!).

Many names and terms are used to describe primary photosensitisation including ‘spring eczema’, ‘photo’, ‘sunburn’ or, if the condition occurs on a brassica crop it’s sometimes called ‘rape scald’.

There’s content here for everyone – lamb finishers and dairy farmers. To help navigate your area of interest if the whole podcast isn’t for you, tune in as follows:

Introduction and overview of this latest podcast 5:00

Part 1: Primary or Secondary photosensitisation – what’s the difference? 9:25

Part 2: What signs might we see in sheep and cattle affected by Primary photosensitisation?  15:40

Part 3: Types of forages and weed species that have been linked with cases of Primary photosensitisation. 32:00

Part 4: Risk factors and prevention strategies for Primary photosensitisation in lambs that graze annual forage brassica crops. 38:15

Part 5: What to do if your sheep or cattle are affected by Primary photosensitisation and prevention strategies for Primary photosensitisation in lambs that graze brassica crops (noting here that getting in touch with your veterinarian for advice is your number one thing to do; podcasts are not a substitute for advice from you own vet). 1:01:20

For anyone who grazes lambs or young cattle on summer crops, there’s something in this podcast for you!