Black soil blindness: A new mycotoxicosis of cattle grazing Corallocytostroma-infected Mitchell grass (Astrebla spp) |
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| Authors: | TF JUBB DC MAIN† AA MITCHELL† RG SHIVAS† KW DE WITTE‡ |
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| Institution: | *Department of Agriculture, Durack Drive, Kununurra, Western Australia 6743;?Department of Agriculture, Baron-Hay Court, South Perth, Western Australia 6151;?Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, Katherine Terrace, Katherine, Northern Territory 0851 |
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| Abstract: | A new, fatal mycotoxicosis of cattle has been recognised in north-western Australia. A feeding trial confirmed the toxicity of a previously unknown species of Corallocytostroma that grows on Mitchell grass (Astrebla spp). The disease has been colloquially named ‘black soil blindness’ because its most prominent features are its confinement to pastures on black soil, and blindness and death of affected animals. Over 500 cattle have died and considerable subclinical disease is present. Above average wet season rainfall and extended growing seasons may explain the emergence of the fungus. The disease is important because cattle production in large areas of Australia utilise Mitchell grass pastures. |
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