According to Dr Esam Elgorashi, specialist researcher in toxic and medicinal plants at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), farmers need to be vigilant and contact a veterinarian once symptoms occur. 

OFM News’ Elsabé Richard spoke to him about what these symptoms are…

See PODCAST below

Poisonous plants are plants that, when consumed by animals or humans in sufficient quantities, can cause diseases or harm which can also result in death. This could be a shrub, tree or even grass.

Elgorashi explains that when the affected organs are the digestive system or the alimentary canal, the animal will stop eating. He adds that these animals might experience vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating as well as experience fluid coming from the mouth and nose.

He says that when the animal’s central nervous system is affected, one would see the animal suffering convulsions as well as a lack of coordination.

“If we look at the heart, for example, you will find that an animal may drop dead suddenly due to [a] heart attack or a heart rate decrease… or the animal tend to stand with its head in a low position [with their] stomach tucked in,” explains Elgorashi.

Furthermore, when the reproductive system of the animal is affected, Elgorasi says the animal may develop a large or deformed udder. They can also have difficulty giving birth and when giving birth, the calves or lambs may be oversized or deformed.

Also, when these poisonous plants, consumed in sufficient quantities, affect the animal’s respiratory system, they will experience difficulty in breathing and also have an increased breathing rate.

However, Elgorashi warns that such symptoms may also emanate from microbes or parasites. He, therefore, urges farmers to consult with their local veterinarian before they make decisions regarding the abovementioned symptoms.

Meanwhile, Elgorashi says the good rain experienced in large parts of the country is actually good news. This, as the veld will be blooming with non-toxic plants to choose from which may result in grazing animals to refrain from eating poisonous plants.

But, the problem arises after the rainy season when these toxic plants may be the only plants available for the animals to consume. He also adds that animals normally tend to avoid poisonous plants, unless they are new breeds or was moved from one province or place to another where they are not so familiar with the plants that grow in the area - or when animals, familiar with the area, have no choice but to eat the toxic plants.

Unfortunately, Elgorashi says in many cases there is no available treatment for plant poisoning, but in some instances, farmers may make use of activated charcoal. However, the farmer needs to know the type of poisoning. This, as charcoal is known to absorb toxins from the stomach of the animal.

“In many instances, an animal may recover if they’re kept away from infested pastures. If the animal gets sick then their resistance to diseases may be reduced… We always say prevention is better than cure. So, farmers can prevent poisoning in the first place by knowing which poisonous plants are in the area and keep livestock away from those areas,” says Elgorashi.

Another important aspect to take into consideration in order to prevent animals from getting sick from these plants is to prevent overgrazing. He explains that when large numbers of animals are grazing in a small area, the animals may be forced to eat toxic plants because of competition.

He also calls on farmers to prevent veld fires if possible, because animals tend to eat whatever is available when they are left with no choice.

Lastly, Elgorashi says farmers should always make sure that their animals have sufficient drinking water for the reason that animals tend to consume large quantities of plants which compensate for water if there is a lack of water.

OFM News recently reported that Elgorashi says remnants of poisonous plants can also affect the value of the land. He adds that a farmer will not buy a land that is infested with poisonous plants.

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