Cotula nigellifolia

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Botha, C.J. (Christoffel Jacobus)
Venter, Elna

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Abstract

DISTRIBUTION: It grows in damp places, near or even in water, and prefers shady areas.
BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION: General: An indigenous perennial, herbaceous weed. More or less spreading, but some stems can grow up to a height of 30 to 60 cm. The soft stems are greyish green, but become reddish-purple at times. Leaves: The simple greyish green leaves are deeply incised. Flowers: The inflorescence is a daisy-like flower borne on a thin green stalk with white outer flowers and yellow disc-florets. September - April. Fruit: The seeds are small and oblong.
TOXIC PRINCIPLE: Unknown neurotoxin – causes encephalitis.
SYSTEMS AFFECTED: Central nervous system.
CLINICAL SIGNS: Only a problem with cattle especially in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. Sheep and horses not susceptible. • CNS suppression characterized by: - apathy, - very tame, - easy handling, - aimless wandering and - apparent blindness • Incoordination, which can progress to paresis and eventually paralysis. - Uncertain when walking, knuckling over • Pushing syndrome - can only lean against or actively push against firm objects • Loss of weight (chronic cases) because they don’t eat or drink.
NECROPSY: Macroscopical findings: • Nothing obvious. • Only signs of trauma and weight loss.
HISTOPATHOLOGY: Encephalitis characterized by perivascular gliosis and lymphocyte infiltration in white matter of the brain and status spongiosus.
DIAGNOSIS: • Histopathology changes are characteristic • Typical clinical signs.
TREATMENT: • None • Keep the animal away from infected areas in times of food scarcity.

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Colour photos. Final web-ready size: JPEG, 72 ppi. Photo 1: 7.42 kb; Photo 2: 88.4 kb; Photo 3: 30.2 kb. Original TIFF file housed at the Dept. of Paraclinical Sciences, Section Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Pretoria.

Keywords

Plant poisoning, Toxicology, Plant poisoning in animals, Poisonous plants, Encephalitis, Neurotoxin

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Citation

Botha, CJ & Venter, E 2002, 'Plants poisonous to livestock Southern Africa (CD-ROM)' University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Dept. of Paraclinical Sciences, Section Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pretoria, South Africa.