Autumn plant poisoning hazards

Abstract

Potentially poisonous plants are a common part of the environment of many farm animals. Risk of poisoning varies season by season and year by year with variation in the environmental conditions. In the autumn there is risk of poisoning from seeds and fruits and autumn flowering plants. This includes plants containing cyanogenic glycosides (such as cherry laurel) and yew which contains taxine alkaloids. These plants commonly cause sudden death in livestock. Oak, although part of the natural diet of many animals, can cause episodic outbreaks of poisoning, particularly following hot, dry summers. Signs mainly involve the gastrointestinal and renal systems. Poisoning with horse chestnut is not common but can cause neurological and gastrointestinal signs. Ingestion of autumn crocus can also cause gastrointestinal signs in livestock. Prevention of poisoning by recognising the risks and limiting potential circumstances of exposure and ensuring access to forage is essential, as treatment options for management of poisoning in livestock are limited and, in some cases, the only sign of exposure is sudden death.