Grass fungus can kill cattle

LUSH green pastures resulting from alternating rain and sunshine across the Tweed could be making cows sick.

Famers have been warned the lush conditions can poison cattle due to a potentially deadly fungus growing on some of the grass.

In the past week at least one north coast cattle herd has experienced problems with sick and dying stock which had been grazing on normally safe kikuyu pasture, according to a local vet.

District Veterinarian with the North Coast Livestock Health and Pest Authority Phil Kemsley said that kikuyu was a very common and normally safe pasture and found throughout the north coast.

But with the lush conditions, a fungus could grow on the grass.

“The fungus produces a toxin that irritates the third stomach, causing it to fail to perform its normal job of absorbing fluid,”

he said.

“This causes a build-up of water in the main stomach or rumen, giving the cattle a bloated appearance. The weight of this fluid can be too much for the heart and lungs to bear.”

Mr Kemsley warned farmers that if cattle were removed from the pasture early in the course of the disease, some will recover.

Removing the stock would also help to prevent further cases.

“Cattle producers should watch for signs of staggering, depression and bloating,” he said.

“Affected cattle may want to eat and drink but can’t.”

Mr Kemsley said if the warning signs were seen in stock it was important to seek veterinary advice.