Objective To describe the clinical signs and pathology of a neurological lo
comotor disorder in sheep associated with ingestion of Stachys arvensis.
Design Field observations and laboratory examinations.
Procedure Clinical and pathological examinations were performed on sheep wi
th suspected S arvensis intoxication.
Field observations Merino sheep in a flock on the southwestern slopes of Ne
w South Wales developed a neurological disorder after grazing S arvensis. A
ffected animals had pelvic limb paresis and a proprioceptive deficit. When
forced to exercise they stumbled and collapsed. Recovery following removal
from the plant was slow. Many deaths were associated with the outbreak.
Results Affected sheep developed a mild degenerative myelopathy and periphe
ral neuropathy. Deficiencies of vitamins A and E were also observed in the
affected flock.
Conclusion Grazing S arvensis is sometimes associated with a neurological l
ocomotor disorder in sheep.