An acute case of Pimelea elongata toxicity in cattle in western New South Wales

In May 2019, 96 cattle died from Pimelea toxicity in a period of 19 days after potential exposure, with the first deaths occurring within 5 days. After examining the circumstances, we suspect that several factors contributed to the deaths. These included that recently purchased stock and transported...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inAustralian veterinary journal Vol. 101; no. 1-2; pp. 35 - 40
Main Authors Cavanagh, C, Parry, S, Fraser, C, Dominiak, BC
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Melbourne Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd 01.01.2023
Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
Subjects
Animals
Cattle
Cattle Diseases - chemically induced
Flowers
lakebed Pimelea
Marree disease
New South Wales
Seeds
simplexinf
St. George disease
Terpenes - toxicity
Thymelaeaceae - toxicity
Toxicity
Weeds
New South Wales
St. George disease
lakebed Pimelea
Marree disease
simplexinf
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Summary:In May 2019, 96 cattle died from Pimelea toxicity in a period of 19 days after potential exposure, with the first deaths occurring within 5 days. After examining the circumstances, we suspect that several factors contributed to the deaths. These included that recently purchased stock and transported had access to flooded land containing Pimelea elongata. This weed species contains simplexin and 18 other compounds. Roots, flowers and seeds are significantly more toxic than the stem, branches and leaves. We suspect that thirsty and hungry stock consumed seed and roots from flooded pastures and consumed lethal doses of simplexin. Blood tests were not good indicators of the conditions. Management strategies are suggested.
ISSN:0005-0423
1751-0813
DOI:10.1111/avj.13216