Occurrence of an outbreak of 60 cases of facial eczema in sheep, in the State of São Paulo-Brazil

Abstract

An outbreak of facial eczema was observed in 60 Corriedale sheep grazing on Brachiaria decumbens and B. ruziziensis pastures of a farm whose location is in the region of São Manuel, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The first signs of photosensitivity were manifested by irritation and pruritis in the nose and eyes regions. With the development of the illness the skin of the face and ears became swollen and reddened, followed by the presence of icterus, lethargy and loss of appetite. In the beginning of the episode there were affected only 7 animals. When they were moved out to a new pasture of Brachiaria ruziziensis the outbreak was intensified and reached around 60 animals. Several dried leaves were collected from the pastures and submitted to mycological and chemical examinations. There were isolated and identified some fungi like Pithomyces Chartarum, Fusarium sp and HeIminthosporium sp. The qualitative chemical analysis pointed out the presence of Sporidesmin A in the leaves of B. ruziziensis.