South Africa is blessed with one of the richest floras in the world, which--not surprisingly--includes many poisonous plants. Theiler in the founding years believed that plants could be involved in the aetiologies of many of the then unexplained conditions of stock, such as gousiekte and geeldikkop. His subsequent investigations of plant poisonings largely laid the foundation for the future Sec...

Plant poisoning is a common problem throughout North America, causing significant economic losses not only through death loss, but through the costs associated with reproductive loss, poor growth rates, herbicides, etc. Through good pasture management, recognizing toxic plants, and by understanding the effects of toxins on animals, plant poisoning can be largely avoided. Plants contain a variet...

The word POISON too often creates fear when it should suggest a warning. Many chemicals or common household substances used incorrectly, usually in the wrong quantity, can cause illness or even death; this is also true with certain plants. Left alone they are harmless. Bruised, crushed, or eaten in varying quantities, they may provoke effects which are upsetting, painful, or even fatal to man.

Agriculturally grown plants are potentially contaminated with poisonous weeds. Many potentially toxic plants are found in pastures and crops. Consequently, forage crops at harvest or when directly grazed may contain toxic amounts of poisonous plants. Unfortunately, efficient prevention of contamination with certain poisonous plants is not always feasible or practical, and thus, contaminated fee...