Neurotoxic plants that poison livestock

Authors: Stegelmeier, Bryan; Davis, Thomas - Zane; CLAYTON, MICHAEL - Utah State University

Submitted to: Veterinary Clinics of North America
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/31/2020
Publication Date: 10/5/2020
Citation: Stegelmeier, B.L., Davis, T.Z., Clayton, M.J. 2020. Neurotoxic plants that poison livestock. Veterinary Clinics of North America. 36:673-688. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2020.08.002.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2020.08.002

Interpretive Summary: In the western United States poisonous plants most often affect grazing livestock and the related livestock losses are estimated to cost the grazing livestock industry more than $200 million annually. Many of these toxic plants contain neurotoxins that damage or alter the function of neurologic cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The objectives of this paper is to present common North American neurotoxic plants including conditions of poisoning, clinical disease, pathologic changes, available diagnostics to identify poisoned animals and the potential prognosis for poisoned animals.

Technical Abstract: In the western United States poisonous plants most often affect grazing livestock and the related livestock losses are estimated to cost the grazing livestock industry more than $200 million annually. Many of these toxic plants contain neurotoxins that damage or alter the function of neurologic cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The objectives of this paper is to present common North American neurotoxic plants including conditions of poisoning, clinical disease, pathologic changes, available diagnostics to identify poisoned animals and the potential prognosis for poisoned animals.