By Buhl, R. and Eriksen, L. and Falmer Hansen, J., Dansk Veterinaertidsskrift, 1998
Description
Following a brief review of ergotism, an outbreak of the gangrenous form of the disease that occurred in a herd of 300 cattle on the island of Saltholm, Denmark, in October 1997, is described. The condition was detected about 3 weeks after the animals had been moved to a partly grazed, and previously sea water-flooded pasture in which common couch grass (Elytrigia repens [Elymus repens]) infected with ergot (Claviceps purpurea) was found. The clinical signs in affected cattle were lameness and swelling of the pastern and the lower metatarsal region in one or both hind legs. The skin became necrotic and there was a prominent demarcation line separating living and necrotic tissue. In one heifer the capsule of the hoofs had been completely shed, and in another, the tip of the tail became necrotic. The general condition and the appetite of the animals were unaffected and haematological values were within their normal ranges. The diagnosis was based on clinical signs, pathological findings and evidence of ergot consumption. Therapy was ineffective, and the affected animals were destroyed
Following a brief review of ergotism, an outbreak of the gangrenous form of the disease that occurred in a herd of 300 cattle on the island of Saltholm, Denmark, in October 1997, is described. The condition was detected about 3 weeks after the animals had been moved to a partly grazed, and previously sea water-flooded pasture in which common couch grass (Elytrigia repens [Elymus repens]) infected with ergot (Claviceps purpurea) was found. The clinical signs in affected cattle were lameness and swelling of the pastern and the lower metatarsal region in one or both hind legs. The skin became necrotic and there was a prominent demarcation line separating living and necrotic tissue. In one heifer the capsule of the hoofs had been completely shed, and in another, the tip of the tail became necrotic. The general condition and the appetite of the animals were unaffected and haematological values were within their normal ranges. The diagnosis was based on clinical signs, pathological findings and evidence of ergot consumption. Therapy was ineffective, and the affected animals were destroyed
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