7 



"Gangrenous Ergotism: In this common form, the checking of the 

 blood, resulting from the contraction of the small blood vessels, causes 

 a loss of a part or of all the limb below the knee or hock, of the tail or the 

 ears. The form of the disease may manifest itself by the formation of 

 ulcers at the top of the hoof or between the toes, and a toe may be lost or 

 the entire hoof shed. The affected part dries, a small furrow or line of 

 separation appears, completely surrounding the limb, dividing the living 

 from the dead mummified tissue." 



We are indebted to the Veterinary Director-General at Ottawa for 

 the following reports of recent ergot poisoning in Alberta presented by one 

 of his inspectors, Dr. W. H. McKenzie: 



January 4, 1915. I have inspected ninety head of cattle, twelve of 

 which were suffering from ergotism. Necrosis of the inferior third of the 

 tail, about one inch of the superior extremity of the ear, and both hind 

 feet, was observed in one animal. In two others, both hind feet had 

 sloughed off at the pastern joint, in another an indented ring circumscribing 

 the hind leg about six inches above the fetlock joint, below which the 

 tissue was gangrenous, in three one claw was absent. The other visibly 

 affected animals exhibited swellings and lameness in one or both hind 

 fetlocks. Animals had access to stacks of rye straw since about the 

 first of November. Owner advises that first symptoms were observed 

 on or about the first of December." 



Five animals had already succumbed to the effects of the poison before 

 the inspection of Dr. McKenzie. Receiving information of a similar case 

 in the same neighbourhood, Dr. McKenzie inspected thirty-four cattle. 



"Six animals were found to be showing the effects of this poison, being 

 lame, having enlarged fetlock joints, and showing a pronounced tendency 

 to resume the recumbent position. The grain bins and rye stack were 

 examined and a considerable quantity of ergot found. The animals in 

 question had been fed on rye straw for about four weeks, and a slight 

 lameness was first observed ten days ago. I was informed that a neighbour 

 who fed rye to pregnant sows had 28 abortions. All rye straw was burned, 

 and owner instructed to thoroughly clean the rye grain before feeding 

 same." 



REMEDY AND MEANS OF CONTROL: In the case of ergot poisoning the 

 best remedies are preventive. Care should be taken that no ergotised 

 grain is sown. All grasses bearing ergot, wherever seen, should be cut 

 and burnt. During the flowering season, there should be a vigilant search 

 for heads showing the glistening honeydew. These infected heads should 

 be gathered at once, taking care not to brush them against other grasses. 

 Remember one drop of honeydew contains enough conidia to infect a 

 whole acre of rye. Burn all ergotised hay, and clean thoroughly all barns 

 and stalls where it has been stored. Should animals show symptoms of 

 poisoning, their food should be changed at once, and the assistance of a 

 veterinary surgeon should be procured. 



63463 2J 



