If you are grazing mature pasture you may need to move your livestock. Bermudagrass staggers and ergot poisoning can be a threat to cattle, as well as other livestock, grazing mature pastures after a cloudy or damp period. While recent rains may not have been sufficient for groundwater recharge, they certainly were enough to create the conditions favorable for these two disorder-causing fungal infections.

Bermudagrass staggers is caused by alkaloids produced by a fungus in mature Bermudagrass. Affected cattle will twitch and become stifflegged loosing coordination. As the name implies, they begin to stagger and may fall or experience other mishaps resulting in injury.

Ergot poisoning is also caused by a parasitic fungus. This fungus, however, occurs predominantly in the seed heads of small grains, especially dallisgrass. The toxins produced by ergot poisoning cause reduced blood circulation in the extremities. Early signs of ergot poisoning are similar to staggers followed by sloughing of the tail tip. An additional later symptom is the stimulation and depression of the central nervous system, possibly causing cattle to appear stressed or aggressive.

Both disorders are the result of diet provided by pasture conditions. If you observe symptoms, immediate action should be taken to provide a toxin free diet. Cattle should be moved and infected pastures should be cut. Once corrective action has been taken livestock should begin to recover. However, never assume you have made an accurate diagnosis of the problem. In order to assure herd health, always consult a veterinarian. Prevent Bermudagrass staggers and ergot poisoning by keeping pastures in a young vegetative condition.

If you have questions call the Wilkes County Extension office at 706-678-2332.