Clinical, pathological and epidemiological aspects of flood plain staggers, a corynetoxicosis of livestock grazing Agrostis avenacea.

The study explores flood plain staggers, a disease affecting grazing livestock caused by toxins found in the grass species Agrostis avenacea, which caused significant livestock mortality in New South Wales during 1990-1991. The disease symptoms include convulsions and varying degrees of cerebellar dysfunction while the pathological changes are variable and non-specific.

Study Context and Objective

• This research was conducted to investigate a disease affecting livestock grazing on the flood plains of the Darling River in northern New South Wales. The disease, known as flood plain staggers, is a form of corynetoxicosis, which is caused by toxins produced by pathogens infesting the grass species Agrostis avenacea.
• The disease came into prominence between spring 1990 and autumn 1991, causing significant livestock deaths across 31 farms in the region.
• The study aimed to understand the clinical, pathological, and epidemiological aspects of the disease.

Findings of the Study

• During the period under investigation, the researchers recorded a death toll of 1722 cattle, 2466 sheep, and 11 horses because of this disease.
• The clinical symptoms of flood plain staggers noted in the affected livestock, both in cattle and sheep, were characterised by intermittent periods of cerebral convulsion, or seizures, in addition to varying degrees of cerebellar dysfunction. The cerebellar dysfunction affects coordination and balance in the animals.
• However, the pathological changes induced by the disease in livestock were found to be variable and non-specific. This means that no constant or identifiable changes were observable in the tissues or cells of the affected animals under a microscope.
• Mostly, the changes reflected trauma and the generalised impact of the intoxication, indicating a widespread impact of the toxin in the body rather than a localized effect.

Significance of the Research

• This research plays a crucial role in providing valuable information about the behaviour of flood plain staggers.
• Such knowledge is necessary for farmers and the broader livestock industry to help devise management strategies for minimizing the risk of corynetoxicosis in grazing livestock.
• In addition, the findings of the research are instrumental in improving our broader understanding of the interactions between livestock, their diets, and the wider environmental context in which they are reared.