At least 20 cattle have died suddenly on two different properties in the far west of New South Wales after they ate a highly toxic native plant.
The culprit was a species of pimelea plant, called the desert rice flower, that usually grows in the winter and spring, but had sprung up around the region following decent rainfall on the back of a long, dry season.
The stock deaths occurred at properties near Wilcannia during April and Western Local Land Services warned landholders to be on the lookout for the deadly plant, which can grow throughout New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland.
District veterinarian Jessica van de Weyer said the desert rice flower had cropped up especially along water courses and dams.
"Unfortunately [that] means that seeds will then fall in the water and can still poison the cattle that drink the water … all parts of this plant are toxic," she said
Dr van de Weyer said most of the cattle at one of the properties she visited appeared to have eaten the desert rice flower.
"They had swelling under the jaw, they had dropped a lot of condition … they were looking rather depressed," she said.
Other common symptoms of desert rice flower poisoning in cattle include foul-smelling diarrhoea and a rough coat.
COVID-19 could delay crucial sample testing
Dr van de Weyer said it is crucial to get plant and animal samples to the lab for testing as soon as possible, especially when dealing with potential emergencies such as an animal disease that could be spread to people.
But with the only testing facility in the state more than 1,000 kilometres away and recent cuts to regional flights, getting samples anywhere quickly had become more of a challenge.
Scott Parry, from the Australian Veterinary Association's advocacy team, said limited flights due to the coronavirus pandemic had been an issue for vets throughout regional Australia.
"Throughout Australia there are far less labs than there used to be and they tend to be located around the major population centres," Dr Parry said.
"It's not actually the urgency around the stability of the sample, it's actually the urgency around getting an answer … the example at the moment is African Swine Fever … if we have a suspect [case], we need that tested ASAP."
Dr Parry said now, more than ever, it is important landholders are vigilant when it comes to recognising animal diseases.
"Our capacity to diagnose and respond is certainly impaired a little bit at the moment so we just need as many sets of eyes out there [as possible]," he said.
