Recent plant poisoning in ruminants of northern and eastern Germany. Communication from the practice for the practice]

It is reported of botanical intoxications in 1379 ruminants (dairy cattle, beef cattle and ewes) in north-eastern Germany. The intoxications of these animals were caused by consumption of the following plants: meadow saffron (Colchicum autumnale L.), cowbane (Cicuta virosa L.), sweet clover (Melilotus alba MED.), sheep's sorrel (Rumex acetosella L.), bracken (Pteridium aquilinum KUHN) and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.). In all the five described cases animals died as a result of plant intoxications. The authors come to the conclusion that periodical inspections of the meadows are necessary, checking the plants in cooperation with veterinary surgeons.