ERGOTISM IN CATTLE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2679, 30 June 1894, Page 3

ERGOTISM IN CATTLE.

Ergotism is a condition produced by the cumulative action of a poison present in a parastic fungus familiarly known as ergot of rye, and gives rise to abortion in pregnant animals, to gangrene of the extremities when taken in large and continued quantities, to paralysis, and frequently to death. The active agents contained in the ergot are probably an alkaloid substance known as cornutine, with sphacelinic and ergotinic acids. The loss to settlers within the past year from this cause appears to have been very considerable indeed, and there is unfortunately but too abundant evidence pointing to the conclusion that not alone are affected paddocks increasing in virulence, but those hitherto clean are showing signs of invasion. While this is applicable in a marked degree to parts of the West Coast, I regret to find that the Waikato, Tauranga, and Hawkes, Bay districts are also affected. How ergot will eventually be got rid of I do not feel in a position to indicate, but I am firmly convinced of the necessity that exists for immediate action on the part of the settlers, and, with a view to assistting them in their deliberations, I will briefly mention a few of the more important points connected with the development and spread of that fungus. Ergot attacks the various grasses, and also the cyperacese and palms. The grasses more prominently affected by it are the fescues, rye-grasses, and cocksfoot. The earliest indication of its presence on a grass-flower or spikelet is the appearance of minute drops of yellow gummy liquid; this dries up within a few days, and development proceeds until the ergot “spur” attains its full size. The number of spurs present on each grass spikelet varies greatly, and each spur or oscophore eliminates from its apex countless spores, which, on reaching other grass-flowers, proceed to development. With the grass-seed the spurs fall; those that reach the ground lie uninjured till the following spring, when each sends up a varying number of fruit-heads of the perfect fungus (Clauiceps puapurea), which, coming to rapid maturity, evolve myriads of spores to attack again the grasses with which they come into contact. From this it will be seen that there are two periods of spore-dissemi-nation—namely, early spring, from the fruit-bends; and summer, from the spurs. Large numbers of spurs, of course, are arrested by the root-leaves, and with these they are taken into the animal system, especially in winter, when there is a scarcity of food.

Symptoms. The symptoms produced by the ingestion of ergot vary considerably. As already mentioned, pregnant animals abort. Occasionally what may be termed a spasmodic form is witnessed, in which there is a peculiar glaring expression of eye, twitching of the muscles of the hind-quarters, and a staggering gait, which may or may not be succeeded by total loss of power in that region. The other and much more serious form is the gangrenous, and it is no doubt dependent upon the quantity of ergot ingested and the continued ingestion of it. In this form, usually the first thing noticed by the settler is excessive lameness of one or more feet, the hind ones generally. At first iha, most careful examination reveals nothing, save perhaps, great tenderness on pressure being applied to the heal. The lameness rapidly increases in severity ; the an’mal looks haggard, breathes heavily, arches the back, loses condition. Between the digits, in the hqpl, and around the coronets becomes puffy, and presents a characteristic irritable appearance. These lesions extend upwards ; blotches appear on the pasterns, the hair falls out, and the hoofs often slough off, the separation of the dead parts being associated with excruciating pain. From the commencement, the horns, ears, and legs are usually cold, and there is frequently persistent diarrhoea.

Treatment. to a non-affected pasture. Administer a drench consisting of sulphate of magnesium, sodium-chloride and treacle, equal parts of each, 4oza to Bozs according to age, size, and strength of the animal; finely-powdered ginger, loz to 3ozs: the whole dissolved in a liberal quantity of tepid water. Injections of warm water (one to two quarts) into the rectum will have a beneficial effect, and can hardly be given too often until purgation is established. Then the following drench may be given : Carbonate of ammonia, Idrachm toldrachm; cold gruel, about one quart: and this drench may be giyou twice daily for two or three days.

In addition to above treatment, in the gangrenous form the affected limbs should be rubbed twice daily with the following liniment: Liquor ammonia fortior, oil of turpentine, and water, one part each ; olive oil, six parts ; but this must not be applied to raw sores. Pure water and easily-digested nourishing food must bo within easy reach of the animal as tho appetite reappears, N.B —As “ Ergotism in Now Zealand ” will form a subject for thorough investigation by the writer, any information which any settlor fee's ip a position to import \yill fie esteemed, as there arc doubtless many other important points connected with its manifestations hero which thp writer lias not had an opportunity of observing during his short residence in tho colony. St. John’s Hill, Wanganui. February 2bth, Idy-i.