A neurological locomotor disorder in sheep grazing Stachys arvensis.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical signs and pathology of a neurological locomotor disorder in sheep associated with ingestion of Stachys arvensis.

DESIGN

Field observations and laboratory examinations.

PROCEDURE: Clinical and pathological examinations were performed on sheep with suspected S arvensis intoxication. FIELD OBSERVATIONS: Merino sheep in a flock on the southwestern slopes of New South Wales developed a neurological disorder after grazing S arvensis. Affected animals had pelvic limb paresis and a proprioceptive deficit. When forced to exercise they stumbled and collapsed. Recovery following removal from the plant was slow. Many deaths were associated with the outbreak.

RESULTS

Affected sheep developed a mild degenerative myelopathy and peripheral neuropathy. Deficiencies of vitamins A and E were also observed in the affected flock.

CONCLUSION

Grazing S arvensis is sometimes associated with a neurological locomotor disorder in sheep.