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.


METHODS
Field observations and laboratory examinations.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Grazing S arvensis is sometimes associated with a neurological locomotor disorder in sheep.
Philbey
A W
AW
New South  Wales Agriculture, Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Wagga Wagga. phila@mri.sari.ac.uk
Hawker
A M
AM
Evers
J V
JV
D000818:Animals; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D019686:Lamiaceae / Q000506:poisoning*; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D010939:Plant Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology