The susceptibility of Canadian wapiti to ryegrass staggers

Authors: Cahill JJ, Brooks HV
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 33, Issue 8, pp 126, Aug 1985
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Deer, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Wildlife
Subject Terms: Fungal/yeast, Locomotor, Mycotoxicosis, Nervous system/neurology, Pasture/crop, Poisoning - plant, Disease/defect, Toxicology
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: We would like to report an observation which we have made recently whilst investigating an epidemic of ryegrass staggers in Canadian wapiti (Cervus elaphus mannitobensis) in February of this year. A farm, located nine kilometres from Palmerston North carried 250 deer comprising 180 breeding hinds and their unweaned fawns. Of these hinds, 12 were Canadian wapiti, the remainder red deer (Cervus elaphus). All deer were set stocked as one mob on perennial ryegrass/clover pasture. The area was sand based free draining plateau and conditions were dry. Ryegrass staggers was diagnosed initially in a three year Canadian wapiti hind which had suffered a progressive nervous disorder of six weeks duration. Initial signs were fore and hind limb ataxia and head tremor. The ataxia became increasingly severe and the animal lost considerable body condition. Convulsions and recumbency occurred 24 hours before death. No significant gross lesions were noted at post mortem…

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