The ongoing dry conditions have heightened the possibility of nitrite poisoning in livestock, according to Agriculture Victoria District Veterinary officer Dr Jeff Cave.
When an animal is poisoned by nitrite, the ability of its blood to transport oxygen is reduced.
Dr Cave said an affected animal would have difficulty breathing, followed by becoming weak and staggery before collapsing and dying.
“Capeweed, variegated thistle, marshmallow and pigweed are well known nitrite accumulators, along with many of the major crop plants.”
Dr Cave said poisoning could occur after the rapid uptake of soil nitrate, following a prolonged dry spell, moisture stress and low temperatures.
”A way of preventing nitrite poisoning is to ensure that cattle and sheep are not overly hungry when introduced to a new feed,” Dr Cave said.
If poisoning was suspected, animals should be moved off suspected paddocks and placed onto feed containing less toxic herbage.
