Acute-onset high-morbidity primary photosensitisation in sheep associated with consumption of the Casbah and Mauro cultivars of the pasture legume Biserrula.

BACKGROUND: Primary photosensitisation (PS) subsequent to ingestion of the pasture legume Biserrula pelecinus L. (biserrula) has recently been confirmed in grazing livestock. Given the potential utility of this pasture species in challenging climates, a grazing trial was undertaken to examine if both varieties 'Casbah' and 'Mauro' were able to cause photosensitisation in livestock, and if this could be mitigated by grazing in winter, or in combination with other common pasture species. RESULTS: A controlled grazing trial was undertaken in winter in Australia with plots containing a dominant pasture of Biserrula pelecinus L. cv. 'Casbah' or 'Mauro', or mixed biserrula/perennial ryegrass populations. A photosensitisation grading system was established. 167 prime meat ewe lambs were introduced to the plots and monitored twice daily. Mild clinical signs were observed at 72 h on pasture. All animals were removed from biserrula dominant stands at this point. Four animals grazing 'Casbah' dominant pasture rapidly proceeded to severe photosensitisation in the following 12 h. Animals remaining on mixed biserrula/ryegrass stands did not exhibit severe PS but showed an 89% incidence of mild to moderate photosensitisation over the following 14 days. Animals on mixed lucerne showed significantly lower PS score than animals grazing biserrula varieties of any composition. The trial was halted at 14 days as only plots with low biserrula proportion still contained unaffected animals. Necropsy revealed severe multifocal erythematous ulcerations and alopecia of the ear pinnae, severe bilateral periorbital and conjunctival oedema and variably severe subcutaneous facial oedema. No evidence of hepatopathy was present. A diagnosis of acute unseasonal primary photosensitisation caused by biserrula ingestion with no other underlying pathology was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: We report an unseasonal outbreak of acute photosensitisation in sheep grazing Biserrula pelecinus L cvs.'Casbah' and 'Mauro' with exceedingly high morbidity. A grading system is also proposed as a tool for objective and consistent clinical appraisal of future PS outbreaks. This finding expands our definition of seasonal and temporal risk periods for biserrula photosensitisation, and is the first to identify that both commercial cultivars of biserrula can cause primary photosensitisation in sheep.

Baptisia poisoning: a new and toxic look-alike in the neighborhood.

BACKGROUND: Baptisia is commonly found in residential gardens as an ornamental plant, in municipal "rain gardens" for water control, as well as in native and restored prairie habitat. Cytisine, an alkaloid with nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist properties, is a component of Baptisia. CASE REPORT: Two patients poisoned after simultaneously ingesting Baptisia plant material are presented. In addition to findings of generalized nicotinic agonist toxicity, including generalized weakness and gastrointestinal symptoms, profound ataxia was present in both, consistent with recently described nicotinic subunit activity in the cerebellum. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Baptisia, a native prairie plant commonly found in restored prairie habitats and public spaces, has striking "look-alike" characteristics, in its immature state, to asparagus. As future exposures by foraging citizens will be likely, awareness of this relationship and the toxic manifestations of cytisine will be useful.

Acute fatal poisoning by spontaneous ingestion of Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Mimosidae) pods in horses.

An outbreak of acute poisoning of horses by Enterolobium contortisiliquum pods is reported in the state of Goiás, Brazil. Three horses presented apathy, hyporexia, prostration, jaundice, recumbency and died in 24-48 hours. The main pathological findings were a yellowish liver with an enhanced lobular pattern, multifocal hepatic necrosis mostly in the midzones of lobules and sometimes with a random distribution across the hepatic lobes and swelling of hepatocytes. E. contortisiliquum trees has a wide distribution in South America and cases of poisoning have not been reported in horses.

Acute anuric renal failure following jering bean ingestion.

Djenkol beans or jering (Pithecellobium jeringa) is a traditional delicacy consumed by the local population in Malaysia. Jering poisoning or djenkolism is characterized by spasmodic pain, urinary obstruction and acute renal failure. The underlying pathology is an obstructive nephropathy, which is usually responsive to aggressive hydration and diuretic therapy. We present a case of djenkolism following ingestion of jering. The patient required urgent bilateral ureteric stenting following the failure of conservative therapy. Healthcare providers need to recognize djenkolism as a cause of acute renal failure and the public educated on this potential health hazard.

Food-aid cereals to reduce neurolathyrism related to grass-pea preparations during famine.

Neurolathyrism is a spastic paraparesis that can be caused by excessive consumption of the drought-resistant grass pea (Lathyrus sativus). Devastating neurolathyrism epidemics have occurred during major famine crises in various parts of the world. We investigated in a case-control study the effects of food aid on risk of paralysis. Risk increased with consumption of boiled grass pea (adjusted odds ratio 2.78, 95% CI 1.09-7.13 with cereals; 5.22, 2.01-13.55 without cereal) and raw unripe green grass pea (1.96, 1.16-3.31; p=0.011), but not with the fermented pancake, unleavened bread, and gravy preparations. In a correlational study there was an inverse relation between the number of new cases and the amount of food-aid cereals distributed per person. During famine, cereals and nutritional information should reach people before they have grass pea as the only food.

Spontaneous poisoning by Stryphnodendron rotundifolium var. villosum in cattle / Intoxicação espontânea por Stryphnodendron rotundifolium var. villosum em bovinos

This is a report on an outbreak of cattle poisoning by Stryphnodendron rotundifolium var. villosum (Benth.) Scalon in the state of Goiás in Brazil. In a herd of 80 cattle that consumed the mature fruit of this plant that was present in their pasture, 12 animals fell ill and died. The clinical signs that they presented were apathy, progressive weight loss, reeling, bristling, and dry stools containing seeds. The main necropsy findings were jaundice, an increased lobular pattern and orange coloration in their liver, enlarged kidneys with yellowish medullae, and pre-stomachs containing fruit peels and seeds. A histopathological examination revealed vacuolar degeneration and necrosis in the liver and kidneys and vacuolar degeneration in the rumen, omasum, reticulum, and intestine. The diagnosis of poisoning by S. rotundifolium var. villosum was based on epidemiological data, clinical findings, and pathological changes. Our results can aid in the differentiation between poisoning by S. rotundifolium var. villosum and poisoning by other toxic plants that are of interest to lifestock.(AU)

Relata-se um surto de intoxicação em bovinos por Stryphnodendron rotundifolium var. villosum (Benth.) Scalon no estado de Goiás, Brasil. De um rebanho composto por 80 bovinos, os quais consumiram frutos maduros da planta presente na pastagem, 12 animais adoeceram e morreram. Os sinais clínicos apresentados foram apatia, emagrecimento progressivo, andar cambaleante, pelo eriçado e fezes secas contendo sementes. Os principais achados de necropsia foram icterícia, fígado com padrão lobular e coloração alaranjada, rins aumentados e com amarelamento da medular e pré-estômagos com presença de cascas e sementes do fruto. Ao exame histopatológico, notou-se degeneração vacuolar e necrose no fígado e rins e degeneração vacuolar no rúmen, omaso, retículo e intestino. O diagnóstico da intoxicação por S. rotundifolium var. villosum baseou-se nos dados epidemiológicos, nos achados clínicos e nas alterações patológicas. Nossos resultados podem auxiliar na diferenciação entre a intoxicação por S. rotundifolium var. villosum e a intoxicação por outras plantas tóxicas de interesse pecuário.(AU)

An outbreak of primary photosensitisation in lambs secondary to consumption of Biserrula pelecinus (biserrula).

CASE REPORT: An outbreak of photosensitisation affecting approximately 25% of a flock of 120 meat lambs that was grazing a monoculture of the pasture legume Biserrula pelecinus var. Casbah (biserrula) was investigated. Blood samples were taken from sheep with moderate to severe clinical signs, and from apparently normal animals, for a complete blood count and biochemistry; 5 affected animals were subjected to a full necropsy. Histopathological investigation showed lesions consistent with photosensitisation of the exposed unpigmented skin of the face and ears. No histopathological or clinical pathological abnormalities suggestive of a hepatopathy were detected in any of the cases, indicating that the lesions observed in this flock were caused by a primary photosensitising agent present in B. pelecinus. CONCLUSION: This is the first confirmation that photosensitisation caused by ingestion of biserrula is caused by a primary photosensitising agent.

Embryonic loss, abortion, and malformations in ewes caused by the ingestion of hay leaves of Cenostigma pyramidale / Perda embrionária, aborto e malformações em ovinos por ingestão de Cenostigma pyramidale na forma fenada

Determining if reproductive failures in ewes at the semiarid region in the state of Bahia are related to the consumption of the species Cenostigma pyramidale (Tul.) Gagnon & G.P. Lewis, and this study was developed using pregnant ewes divided into six groups: G1, G2, G3, G4 with six animals each, G5 and G6 with ten animals. Each group received fence leaves in the proportion of 1%, 2%, 0.5%, and 0.25% of live weight (LW) respectively; G5 and G6, with ten animals each, receiving 0.25% and 0.5% of the LW, respectively, and the Control Group, comprising 16 ewes, were grass feeding (Cynodon dactylon). Ewes from G1 to G4 were the same, except for two, and started ingestion of the plant four days after ending of natural mating on the 80th day of gestation, while those regarding from G5 to G6 groups started ingestion on the 26th day of gestation ending on the 98 day. The ultrasonographic test was performed weekly. In G1 ewes (1%), there was an embryonic loss on the 32nd and 39th days of gestation and abortion on the 46th day. In G2 (2%), the embryo loss was earlier (on the 26th day of gestation), and abortion on the 46th day of gestation. In G3 group (0.5%), there was an embryonic loss around the 40th day of gestation. In G4 group (0.25%), it was observed the occurrence of one death lamb with bone malformations. In G6 (0.5%), abortion occurred later (108 days), followed by retained placenta. This was also verified in G5 group (0.25%). The presence of fetal malformation was found in death lambs born in G4 group, born alive from G5 and G6 groups, and one aborted from G6. In G5 and G6 groups, there were also genetic alterations on surviving lambs. In addition to these results, recurrent estrus was observed without gestation in G1, G2, G3, and G4 ewes. From the Control Group, 13 normal lambs were born without genetic alterations; furthermore, concerning a quadruple birth, three lambs were born dead. The results infer that species of C. pyramidale in low doses causes reproductive losses in pregnant ewes, therefore it is not recommended for sheep diet over the first 60 days of gestation.(AU)

Para determinar se falhas reprodutivas em ovelhas na região semiárida da Bahia estão relacionadas ao consumo de Cenostigma pyramidale (Tul.) Gagnon & G.P. Lewis, foi realizado um estudo utilizando-se ovelhas prenhes divididas em seis grupos e dois Grupos Controle. Os grupos G1, G2, G3 e G4 com seis animais cada. Cada grupo recebeu folhas fenadas na proporção de 1%, 2%, 0,5% e 0,25% do peso vivo (PV) respectivamente; G5 e G6, com 10 animais cada, que receberam 0,25% e 0,5% do PV respectivamente. Os Grupos Controle foram alimentados com ração e capim (Cynodon dactylon). Ovelhas dos grupos 1 a 4 iniciaram ingestão da planta quatro dias após monta natural com término aos 80 dias de gestação, enquanto as dos grupos 5 a 6 iniciaram ingestão no 26º dia de gestação com término aos 98 dias. Avaliação ultrassonográfica foi realizada semanalmente. Nos animais do G1 (1%), verificou-se perda embrionária aos 32 e 39 dias de gestação, e aborto aos 46 dias. Nos do G2 (2%) a perda embrionária foi mais precoce (26 dias), e aborto aos 46 dias. No G3 (0,5%), houve perda embrionária em torno dos 40 dias. No G4 (0,25%), verificou-se ocorrência de natimorto com malformações aos 150 dias de gestação. No G6 (0,5%) o aborto ocorreu mais tardiamente (108 dias), seguido de retenção de placenta. Essa ocorrência também foi verificada no G5 (0,25%). A presença de malformação fetal foi encontrada em fetos natimorto do G4, nascidos vivos do G5 e G6, e um abortado do G6. No G5 e G6 também foram observadas alterações de aprumos em cordeiros sobreviventes. Do Grupo Controle nasceram 13 borregos normais, porém uma ovelha apresentou gestação quádrupla com três natimortos. Os resultados inferem que C. pyramidale fenada em baixas doses causa perdas reprodutivas em ovelhas gestantes, não sendo por isso recomendada para a dieta de ovelhas durante os primeiros 60 dias de gestação.(AU)

Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) poisoning in cattle: update and experimental induction of disease.

Hairy vetch poisoning (vetch-associated disease) of cattle is a generalized disease characterized pathologically by infiltration of skin and many internal organs by monocytes, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and often eosinophils and multinucleated giant cells and clinically by dermatitis, pruritus, often diarrhea, wasting, and high mortality. The disease was experimentally reproduced in an adult Angus female that had recovered from the natural disease 1 year earlier. She developed dermatitis on the 11th day of vetch feeding, and despite withdrawal from the vetch diet on the 12th day, death occurred 24 days after first day of vetch feeding. The cow developed lymphocytosis and hyperproteinemia. The results of other hematologic evaluations, blood chemical profiles, urinalysis, and cutaneous hypersensitivity tests using vetch lectin were normal. Lymphocyte blastogenesis studies with vetch lectin were not interpretable. Necropsy revealed gross lesions characteristic of the disease in the skin, heart, kidney, adrenal, and lymphoid tissues. Microscopically there was typical cellular infiltration in those organs and in the thyroid, liver, pancreas, salivary and mammary glands, urinary bladder, corpus luteum, and cerebral meninges. Cutaneous apocrine gland necrosis was present. The inflammatory reaction has qualities of a type-IV hypersensitivity reaction. Hypersensitivity may occur when constituents of the ingested plant are absorbed and act as antigens that sensitize lymphocytes and evoke the multisystemic granulomatous inflammatory response that characterizes the disease. Alternatively, vetch lectin may directly activate T lymphocytes to initiate the cellular response. Vetch-like diseases have been associated with a variety of diets that did not contain hairy vetch.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Nutritional toxicology of tannins and related polyphenols in forage legumes.

Proanthocyanidins (PA) (condensed tannins) and hydrolyzable tannins (HT) are the two major classes of tannins. Proanthocyanidins are flavonoid polymers. Hydrolyzable tannins are polymers of gallic or ellagic acid esterified to a core molecule, commonly glucose or a polyphenol such as catechin. Proanthocyanidins are the most common type of tannin found in forage legumes. Problems in the analysis of tannins are that sample processing and drying decrease extraction and reactivity, suitable standards are unavailable, and quantitative analytical methods are poorly correlated with enzyme inhibition, protein precipitation, and nutritional effects. Hydrolyzable tannins are potentially toxic to ruminants. Pyrogallol, a hepatotoxin and nephrotoxin, is a product of HT degradation by ruminal microbes. Proanthocyanidins are considered to be non-toxic because they are not absorbed, but they are associated with lesions of the gut mucosa. Research on tannins in forage legumes has determined their effects on protein digestion and metabolism but more research on tannin structure in relation to digestion of specific proteins is needed. The widely accepted explanation for positive effects of PA on protein digestion and metabolism is that PA-protein complexes escape ruminal degradation and the protein is available in the lower tract. This proposed mechanism may be incorrect because PA also complex carbohydrates, endogenous proteins, and microbial products and the degradability of PA-protein complexes by ruminal microbes has not been adequately studied. Several alternative hypotheses (to escape protein) that explain the effect of PA on protein digestion and metabolism in ruminants are also consistent with experimental results on forage legumes. These include increased microbial protein synthesis, increased use of endogenous nitrogen in the rumen, and increased secretion of salivary glycoproteins. Research on manipulating the content and type of PA in forage legumes is justified because they are associated with non-bloating legumes, lower soluble non-protein nitrogen in silage, and improved efficiency of protein utilization. Research on the biosynthesis, molecular genetics, and cell biology of PA in forage legumes needs to be integrated with research on toxicology and nutrition.

Leucaena toxicosis and its control in ruminants.

Leucaena (Leucaena spp., especially L. leucocephala) is an arboreal, tropical legume that ranges into the cool subtropics and equatorial elevations up to 1,000 m. One of its uses includes forage for livestock, but introduction of leucaena outside its indigenous range often has led to acute and chronic toxicosis. The major toxic constituents of leucaena are the nonprotein free amino acid mimosine and its ruminal degradation product, 3-hydroxy-4(1H)-pyridone (3,4-dihydroxypyridine; 3,4-DHP). Leucaena also contains appreciable quantities of condensed tannins. In ruminants, mimosine is a depilatory agent and 3,4-DHP is a potent goitrogen. In the 1980s, Australian workers demonstrated that the geographical limits of leucaena toxicosis were due to the absence of ruminal bacteria capable of degrading 3,4-DHP, and successfully introduced 3,4-DHP degrading ruminal bacteria from a Hawaiian goat into goats and cattle in Australia. Simple in vitro screening methods have been developed for detection of 3,4-DHP degraders in ruminal samples and feces. Also, several strains of 3,4-DHP degrading ruminal bacteria have been characterized and have been given the genus and species designation, Synergistes jonesii. Ruminal inoculation with ruminal contents from adapted animals, enriched cultures of 3,4-DHP-degrading ruminal bacteria, and pure cultures of S. jonesii have all been used successfully to establish ruminal populations that are capable of degrading 3,4-DHP and preventing leucaena toxicosis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Sweet clover poisoning in dairy cattle in California.

Eight of 600 Holstein heifers and cows died after ingestion of sweet clover silage (Melilotus sp) that contained excessive concentrations of dicumarol caused by mold infestation. The cattle developed subcutaneous hemorrhages and bled from the vagina, became weak, were unable to move, and died. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of sweet clover poisoning in cattle from California and is discussed in light of previous findings in the Midwest and Canada. Sweet clover poisoning is caused by dicumarol, a fungal metabolite produced from substrates in sweet clover, and is a common livestock problem in the Northern Plains and Canada. Sweet clover poisoning should be considered in livestock animals with clinical evidence of hemostatic dysfunction, prolonged coagulation times, subcutaneous hemorrhages, and hemorrhagic abortions. Definite diagnosis of moldy sweet clover poisoning can be accomplished by analysis of serum and feed samples for dicumarol concentrations.

Suspected hybrid vetch (Vicia villosa crossed with Vicia dasycarpa) poisoning of cattle in the Republic of South Africa.

A description of the clinical signs and pathological changes is given of 2 outbreaks of suspected hybrid vetch poisoning in the Humansdorp district, Republic of South Africa. These were characterised by a severe dermatitis, high morbidity and mortality in older cows. Microscopically granulomatous lesions occurred in the kidneys, liver, myocardium, spleen and skin. Variable numbers of multinucleated giant cells and eosinophils were seen in these lesions. Acute multifocal hepatic necrosis was observed in 2 animals. Brief comparisons are made with outbreaks of vetch poisoning in other parts of the world.

[Poisoning by ingestion of ditakh (Senegal)]. / Intoxication par ingestion de ditakh (Sénégal).

In regard to food poisoning as a result of the eating of non edible fruit, we have noticed the particular case of a well-known fruit in Senegal: the DITAKH (woloff local name). It would appear that some trees produce poisonous fruit and others perfectly safe edible fruit. Following a description of the habitat and morphological and physical characteristics, the authors wonder whether or not they should consider, because of the edible/non edible characteristics of Detarium, the existence of two different species or two different varieties.

[Poisoning by kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)]. / Forgiftning med kidneybønner (Phaseolus vulgaris).

During recent years, numerous new and exotic fruits have become available in Denmark. However, some of these may be potentially hazardous if incorrectly prepared. Some leguminous plants, in particular, contain considerable amounts of toxic lectins. The authors report two persons who developed severe symptoms of poisoning including diarrhoea, vomiting, muscular pain, rhabdomyolysis and toxic myocarditis after consuming raw and insufficiently cooked kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Meticulous instructions about handling should accompany the sale of potentially hazardous vegetables such as these.

Cyanide poisoning in children in Goroka.

Three cases of suspected cyanide poisoning due to plant ingestion are described. The basis of cyanide toxicity and antagonism are briefly reviewed. Currently recommended management of suspected cyanide intoxication is outlined.

Abortion in goats after experimental administration of Stryphnodendron fissuratum (Mimosoideae).

The abortive properties and the clinical and pathological features of poisoning by the pods of Stryphnodendron fissuratum were studied in 8 pregnant goats. Two goats that ingested 3.25 g/kg body weight daily doses for 2 days, and 2 that ingested 2.5 g/kg daily doses for 3 days showed digestive clinical signs and aborted, but the animals that ingested 3 daily doses of 2.5 g/kg died. Lesions of the digestive system and liver were observed at necropsy. Two goats that ingested a single dose of 5.5 g/kg showed mild clinical signs and recovered without abortion. Another 2 goats that ingested single doses of 5 g/kg showed no clinical signs. These results demonstrate that Stryphnodendron fisuratum pods cause digestive disorders, liver disease, abortion and death.