A tremorgenic mycotoxicosis in cattle caused by Paspalum distichum (l.) infected by Claviceps paspali.

This is the first reported outbreak of paspalum staggers in cattle following ingestion of Paspalum distichum (L) infected by Claviceps paspali in South Africa. A day after starting to graze on an ergotised paspalum field, 43 animals exhibited various degrees of generalised tremors and ataxia. Four animals became paretic and went into sternal recumbency. All affected animals recovered. The condition was reproduced by feeding ergotised grass to a calf. Signs of intoxication were observed 48 h after ingestion of c. 30 g/kg of the semi-dry plant material. The calf developed tremors and a slight ataxia, which became more pronounced following light exercise.