Producers are urged to check livestock daily in paddocks with annual ryegrass for signs of annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT).
Department of Agriculture and Food district veterinarian Roy Butler said ARGT normally occurs from mid-October through summer and recent cases in sheep and cattle had been recorded by producers in Baldivis and the shires of Northam, Victoria Plains, Toodyay and Wyalkatchem.
“In most years, cases of ARGT in livestock are first seen in October and peak in November,” Dr Butler said.
“More cases are often seen in January and February when stock are put onto stubbles, but can occur at any time of the year if contaminated hay is consumed.
“To check if livestock may be affected by ARGT, producers should run their animals for 200 to 300 metres and watch for animals that develop a staggering or rocking horse gait or fall.
“If affected animals are found, immediately move the mob quietly to a paddock with good water, safe feed and shade. Call a veterinarian if you are unsure whether the animals are affected by ARGT.
“Signs of ARGT may appear as soon as four days or as late as several weeks after animals are introduced to toxic paddocks, so it is vital that producers continue to check on stock daily in paddocks containing annual ryegrass.”
Dr Butler said if producers believed there was any possibility that pastures were toxic, they should have them tested before introducing stock.
“Producers can obtain a sample kit from their local Department of Agriculture and Food office and send it away for testing,” Dr Butler said.
“Producers should also consider testing purchased hay for toxicity or obtaining a vendor declaration on its feed safety status.”
Dr Butler said producers could reduce ARGT incidence by treating paddocks with a commercial twist fungus inoculum from May to early July, but they needed to order the inoculum by the end of February. Order forms are available from the department’s website by searching for ‘ARGT’, from local merchandisers or by contacting Becker Underwood.
ARGT can also be controlled by pasture management and chemical manipulation, as outlined in the department Farmnote ARGT – Control through annual ryegrass pasture management.
For more information on ARGT risk management visit the department’s website at www.agric.wa.gov.au.
