Urgent Warning for Farmers in Southern England About Toxic Hemlock Plant

Farmers in southern England have received a warning regarding the hemlock water dropwort plant, which has been linked to a troubling rise in sheep and cattle fatalities. Tyndale Vets has highlighted the risk posed by this toxic plant, which is often mistaken for cow parsley and can lead to death just hours after intake. It appears that the recent dry summer weather has contributed to this issue, prompting livestock to search for drinking sources in lower water levels and encounter the dangerous flora.

The adverse effects of extreme and erratic weather conditions have also been noted, as flood prevention measures, such as ditch dredging, have inadvertently made hemlock more accessible to grazing animals. A spokesperson from the veterinary service urged farmers to inspect ditches thoroughly for hemlock before allowing livestock to graze in certain fields. They also emphasized that caution should be taken when handling the plant, as it retains its toxicity even when dried and baled into hay.

Symptoms of hemlock poisoning can include muscle weakness, seizures, rapid breathing, and grinding of teeth, ultimately leading to paralysis and death. The plant, known scientifically as oenanthe crocata and commonly referred to as 'dead man's fingers,' has distinct tuberous characteristics and farmers are advised to recognize its thicker, woody stems to differentiate it from the harmless cow parsley.

Veterinarian Kirby Dobson highlighted the seriousness of the situation after responding to a farm in Bristol that had tragically lost eight cattle to hemlock poisoning, marking the second incident within a week. Despite the farmer's proper care, including providing silage and water troughs, the naturally curious nature of cattle led them to the plant's appealing roots. UK farmers are cautioned about the rapid spread of hemlock once established in their fields, as ingestion by one animal can lead to subsequent deaths in the herd.

To combat the growth of this toxic plant, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) advises farmers to maintain robust and dense pastures, closely monitor for hemlock, and eliminate it before it seeds. Proper disposal methods, such as burning or bagging the removed plants, are essential to prevent seed dissemination and ensure the safety of livestock.