Tips for dealing with Poisonous Plants

Inspect camps properly and on an ongoing basis for signs of poisonous plants. Know what poisonous plants are found in what camps, and when. Animals should be taken out of camps while getting rid of such plants. 

Good pasturing means that the veld is not over-utilised and good pasturing practises are applied.  Farmers should be especially careful during early spring when pasture is poor. Poisonous plants are usually the first plants to shoot, for example, gifblaar and gousiektebossies. Many poisonous plants are extremely toxic during this stage. Unfortunately, many animals prefer this attractive greenery to other not-so-attractive available food in the veld.

Gifblaar - Dichapetalum cymosum

When poisonous plants are interlaced with eatable plants, for example, Vermeerbossie and young Senecio plants, they are eaten by accident.

Animals suffering from certain mineral shortages (e.g. phosphor and calcium) can lose their natural ability to distinguish between eatable and non-eatable plants.

Overgrazing puts pressure on veld and poisonous plants take root easily. 

Sheep are primarily affected by

·         Geeldikkop

·         Poisoning by cardiac glycoside-containing plants

·         Vermeersiekte

·         Seneciosis

·         Gousiekte

·         Diplodiosis

Bitterbos takes over when veldt is over-utilized and is mainly due to ineffective veldt management. “Although it flourishes in different types of soil, it is seldom found in alkaline/brackish soil. It is found on plains and hillsides. It is an active intruder plant and associated with weakening poor veld. It is one the most important species taking over the Karoo. It usually blossoms during spring and autumn, but depending on weather conditions, can also be present during the year.

The bush often is eaten during times of pasture scarcity by adult small stock and cattle. Small amounts of bitterbos taken in with other pasture are not harmful though. Big amounts result in diarrhoea. Some animals die fast while others develop intense and even bloody diarrhoea.