Here’s a stark reality for wheatbelt livestock producers: your flocks could be at risk of a silent but devastating liver disease called lupinosis, especially after the recent summer rains. But here’s where it gets controversial—while lupin stubbles are a go-to feed source, they might be doing more harm than good under certain conditions. With widespread rainfall in November, reports of lupinosis in sheep flocks, particularly in the southern regions, have been on the rise. Why? Lupin crops, increasingly sown for grazing, can harbor the fungus Diaporthe toxica (formerly Phomopsis leptostromiformis), the primary culprit behind this disease.
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 monitor their sheep closely for early signs of lupinosis, which can be easy to miss. These include reduced appetite, lethargy, disorientation, and sheep lagging behind the flock or lingering near water points. And this is the part most people miss—more severe cases can lead to blindness, head pressing, a hunched posture, and yellowing of the membranes around the eyes and mouth. If you spot these symptoms, act fast: remove affected animals from the paddock immediately and consult a veterinarian.
While modern narrow-leaf lupin varieties are bred for phomopsis resistance, they’re not entirely immune. Under the right conditions, even these strains can develop lupinosis. Once affected, livestock require careful management. Dr. Burson recommends moving them to a smaller paddock 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 can’t handle 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 details, reach out to your veterinarian or a DPIRD field officer. Comprehensive information 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!
