Natural poisoning by Baccharis megapotamica var. weirii in goats

Poisoning by the toxic species of Baccharis is an important cause of death in farm animals. Baccharis coridifolia and Baccharis megapotamica are the most common and most important of this genus. Epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of a natural outbreak of intoxication by Baccharis megapotamica var. weiriiare described in goats. Eleven young goats from a herd of 152 goats were affected by an acute fatal disease. The cases occurred in a small farm in the municipality of Viamão, State of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Large patches of blooming Baccharis megapotamica var. weirii were observed in the pastures where the goats were held, especially in wet and flooded spots. Affected goats were between six months to one year old and all showed signs including apathy, anorexia, weakness, diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal pain, bloat, decubitus and death. The clinical course was 12-24 hours. Three out of the eleven goats dead from the toxicosis were necropsied. Changes present in all necropsied goats included dehydration, liquid contents in the rumen, reddening, erosions and ulcers in the mucosae of the forestomachs, abomasum, and intestine. One goat had marked hemorrhage of mesenteric lymph nodes. Histological lesions of all animals included hyperemia as well as degenerative, necrotic, and ulcerative changes in the epithelial lining of rumen, reticulum, and omasum. Mucosae of the abomasum and of some sections of small and large intestines were also affected. Necrosis of lymphoid tissue was observed in mesenteric lymph nodes and in the lymphoid aggregates in intestine and in the follicles of spleen.

Poisonous plants; Baccharis megapotamica var. weirii; plant poisoning; diseases of goats; pathology; gastrointestinal tract.