At least 20 cattle on two different properties in western NSW have died as a result of eating Pimelea plants, prompting vets to encourage producers to be vigilant
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Western Local Land Services have warned landholders to be on the lookout for the plants, such as the desert rice flower, following the cattle's sudden death on properties near Wilcannia.
Desert rice flower, and a number of other Pimelea species, are known for being winter and spring annuals, however they have been found to germinate following decent rainfalls on the back of dry seasons.
The plant is often grazed inadvertently when hungry stock are introduced to new green pasture and they do not need to ingest much of the plant at any stage of its growth for it to be toxic.
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In addition to the recent reported stock losses, the pretty looking plant has also acutely diminished the condition in many more stock.
Landholders who are unsure if their stock have ingested the plant should look for these signs:
- swelling under the jaw and brisket area
- severe sudden loss of weight
- foul smelling scours/diarrhoea
- rough coat
- sudden death
There is no treatment or cure available, though if detected and moved from the source early enough, stock may survive, however landholders should move stock slowly and cautiously to avoid any further stress.
Feeding good quality hay and keeping stock off pasture which contain the plant is the best way to avoid the potentially disastrous effects.
Landholders wanting assistance to identify a plant on their property can contact Western Local Land Services on 1300 795 299, via an online enquiry form at www.lls.nsw.gov.au or Facebook Messenger.
If the enquiry relates to animal health, landholders can contact:
- Jess van de Weyer, 0417 556 187 (Broken Hill)
- Trent McCarthy, 0437 822 012 (Buronga)
- Charlotte Cavanagh, 0429 773 021 (Bourke).
