Livestock producers in the South West are encouraged to look out for toxic ergots in stock feed over the summer months to help prevent ergot poisoning.
Ergot is a fungal disease of grasses and cereals which produces toxic fruiting bodies that replace the seed. Almost all ergot in grain in Western Australia comes from ryegrass that grows within a crop.
The ergots are black, elongated in shape, and measure 2 to 20 mm.
Department of Agriculture and Food veterinary officer Anna Erickson said ergots were more likely to develop in years of above-average rain when ryegrass was flowering.
“Ongoing periods of spring and summer rain have resulted in an increased occurrence of ergots in ryegrass in many parts of the South West,” Dr Erickson said.
“Ergot poisoning can occur in livestock feeding on ergot-infected pastures, silage and hay, and grain, and can result in stock overheating and aborting
“Cattle are more susceptible to ergot poisoning than sheep, and confined stock are more likely to consume a critical amount of toxin than those on supplementary feeding in a pasture or stubble paddock.”
Dr Erickson cautioned producers about using grain rejected for ergot contamination as stock feed.
“It is important producers know whether ergot is present,” she said. “When purchasing feed, it is recommended producers obtain a vendor declaration that the feed is free of ergot.
“If ergot is present in the feed, ergot-infected feed levels should be maintained below the level known to cause toxicity - less than 0.02 per cent of the feed weight.
“When using grain with known low levels of ergot from a silo, it is important to continue to monitor the concentration of ergot because it is often in highest concentration in the last 10 per cent of silo content.
“Ergot-affected grain should be mixed with other sources and this mix should only be used as supplementary feed for stock in the paddock.”
Producers are encouraged to keep an eye on animals eating ergot-infected grain in hot or sunny weather.
Signs of ergot poisoning include animals seeking shade, being reluctant to move, and panting and distress following any exercise.
Animals may also drool, have an increased respiratory rate and reduced feed intake.
Producers who see unusual signs of disease in their stock should call their private veterinarian, the local Department of Agriculture and Food district veterinary officer, or call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.
Media contact: Jodie Thomson/Dionne Tindale, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937