Here’s a stark reality for livestock producers: your sheep could be at risk of a silent but devastating liver disease called lupinosis, especially after summer rains. But here’s where it gets controversial—while lupin crops are a popular grazing option, they might be doing more harm than good under certain conditions. Recent reports from the Wheatbelt region, particularly in the south, have highlighted a surge in lupinosis cases following November’s widespread rainfall. This is the part most people miss: even modern lupin varieties, which are often resistant to phomopsis, can still pose a threat when conditions are just right.
Dr. Judy Burson, a field veterinary officer from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), emphasizes the need for vigilance. She advises producers to closely monitor their flocks for early signs of lupinosis, which can be deceptively subtle. These include reduced appetite, disorientation, lethargy, and sheep lagging behind the herd or lingering near water sources. And this is where it gets tricky—more severe cases may exhibit blindness, head pressing, a hunched posture, and yellowing of the eye and mouth membranes. If you spot these symptoms, act fast: remove affected animals from the paddock immediately and consult a veterinarian.
Lupinosis is primarily caused by the fungus Diaporthe toxica (formerly Phomopsis leptostromiformis), found in lupin stubble. While lupins are a valuable feed source, they require careful management. Dr. Burson recommends relocating affected livestock to smaller paddocks with ample shade and water for at least two weeks. Feed them quality hay and small amounts of oats, but avoid lupins—their damaged livers struggle to process high-protein diets. Recovery can take up to six months, and professional diagnosis is crucial, as lupinosis symptoms mimic other diseases, including some exotic to Australia.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Are we doing enough to balance the benefits of lupin crops with the risks they pose to livestock health? Subsidies under the Significant Disease Investigation Program may be available to aid early detection, excluding emergency diseases. For more information, reach out to your veterinarian or a DPIRD field officer. Detailed guidance on identifying and managing lupinosis is also available on the DPIRD Lupinosis webpage. Don’t wait until it’s too late—your flock’s health depends on it. What steps are you taking to protect your livestock? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
