Keep an eye on your sheep! After the summer rains, wheatbelt livestock producers with lupin stubbles are being urged to watch for signs of lupinosis, a liver disease that can affect their flocks. But here's where it gets controversial... while modern lupin varieties typically have phomopsis resistance, these strains can still develop the disease under suitable conditions. So, what should you look out for? Early signs of lupinosis can be subtle, including reduced appetite, disorientation, and lethargy when driven. More severe cases show disorientation, blindness, or head pressing behavior, a hunched appearance, and yellowing of the membranes around the eyes and in the mouth. If you spot any of these symptoms, it's crucial to act fast! Remove affected stock from the paddock immediately and seek advice from a veterinarian. The key to managing lupinosis is early detection and prompt action. Don't let your flock suffer! For more information, contact your private veterinarian or a DPIRD field veterinarian, or check out the Lupinosis webpage for details on identification and management.
