Spring eczema in ruminants in New Zealand: is musky storksbill (Erodium moschatum) the culprit? (abstract)

Authors: Collett MG
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 53, Issue 1, pp 93, Feb 2005
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Deer, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Environment, Photosensitivity, Toxicology, Disease/defect, Poisoning - plant, Seasonality/photoperiod, Integument/skin/wool/hair/fur/feather
Article class: Abstract

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Abstract: “Spring eczema” is a well-recognised problem that occurs sporadically in weaned calves and adult cattle in September–November in many parts of New Zealand. The situation in sheep and deer is less clear. Affected animals develop typical photosensitivity lesions on unpigmented parts of the skin and/or udder. Liver function biochemistry is usually unremarkable apart from occasional mildly raised activities of glutamate dehydrogenase or gamma-glutamyl transferase. Since the liver is grossly and histologically normal, a primary photosensitivity has been suspected, the cause of which remains speculative. In October 2003, an outbreak occurred in 9-week-old calves in a paddock near Rongotea where musky storksbill (Erodium moschatum) had been grazed. This plant has long been suspected as a cause of photosensitivity and recent experiments produced mild photosensitivity in sheep in South Africa. Large amounts of this weed were present in the sward in an outbreak affecting 23% of 12-week-old calves near Greytown in 2004. Isolated cases in dairy cows near Linton and Opiki were also associated with the presence of musky storksbill that had been eaten. Dosing experiments in sheep are continuing.

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