Bracken Fern Poisoning of Cattle

Bracken Fern Poisoning of Cattle
Martin Roche, Warrnambool

Bracken fern (Pteridium aqulinum var esculentum) is a
natural plant of forest areas. On farms it is classified as a
weed because it competes with pasture for moisture,
nutrients and light and is poisonous to stock. Ptaquiloside,
a known carcinogen, has been identified as the toxic factor
concerned.
In Victoria, bracken grows in regions of high rainfall on
well drained soils. Bracken poisoning is a problem on
farms adjacent to hilly areas such as the Great Dividing
Ranges in the North-East, Stoney Rises and the Otway
Ranges in the South-West, Strzelecki Ranges and hills of
South Gippsland and on coastal sands.
Prediposing Factors
The toxicity of the plant varies. The most toxic parts are
the underground stems (rhizomes), next come the younger
green fronds and the least toxic parts are the mature
fronds.
Cattle exposed to bracken that has been slashed, ploughed
or burnt are at risk because of the regrowth of young
stems and the exposed rhizomes.
The toxicity and palatability of bracken varies with
season, growth and locality which makes the condition
difficult to manage.
There are two situations where bracken fern poisoning
commonly occurs, firstly when high quality pasture feed is
in short supply, and secondly when the pasture is very
lush and stock are looking for roughage. The first
scenario is much the most common, especially in the
autumn in Victoria. Frequently it is young stock, around
8 18 months of age, which are affected partly because
they havent learnt to avoid the bracken but also because
they are given the poorer pastures to graze.
Updated: June 2007

AG0107
ISSN 1329-8062
i)
High temperature,
ii) Diarrheoa,
iii) Panting respiration,
iv) Abdominal pain,
v) Death.
Because the red cells and platelets are also affected, the
blood clotting mechanism doesnt function properly either.
Clinical signs related to that include:
vi) Bleeding from any external orifices eg.
nose,
anus,
vulva,
and mouth.
vii) Pale gums, eyeballs and other surface membranes,
viii) Pinpoint haemorrhages in the skin, gums, and vaginal
surfaces,
ix) Blood in the urine,
x) Death.
The more chronic form of disease is a cancer of the
bladder wall. The clinical signs relate to this, typically
being:
xi) Blood clots in the urine,
xii) Redwater,
xiii) Thickened bladder wall,
xiv) Loss of condition.
Death usually follows but it is a lingering process in
contrast to the more sudden death which occurs in the
acute form.
Signs in Cattle
Post Mortem
Two distinct clinical syndromes have been recognised in

cattle, a chronic form and a sub-acute form.
The sub-acute form is the more common and usually
occurs when cattle have had access to bracken for at least
10 days. The toxin in the bracken affects the bone
marrow which is the source of both red and white blood
cells. Because the white cells are not properly formed the
animals are susceptible to many forms of infection.
Common clinical signs therefore include:
In acute poisoning cases, the signs seen relate to infection

and the inability of the blood to clot. Many haemorrhages
are present throughout the carcase. They may be seen
inside the stomach, muscles, lungs, heart and intestines.
Post mortem signs with the chronic form of poisoning are
seen in the bladder.
State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries
Page 1
Bracken Fern Poisoning of Cattle
Signs of bracken poisoning can be confused with the signs

of diseases such as anthrax, mucosal disease, blackleg,
arsenic poisoning and some fungal poisonings.
Treatment
Treatment of the condition is almost always unsuccessful.
If diagnosed early, blood transfusions may be beneficial
and antibiotics on a veterinary prescription can also be
given to control secondary infections.
Prevention
Removal of the bracken is the surest way of preventing
poisoning and this has been done on many properties.
Cultivation, slashing and the use of registered herbicides
are ways to control bracken.
If any of the above control methods are used on a
paddock, stock access to this paddock should be
monitored closely. Regrowth, and the ensuing palatable
young green fronds, are a bigger danger to stock than
AG0107
mature fronds. Exposed underground rhizomes are even

more toxic. Care should be taken not to allow hungry,
young, cattle access to bracken that has recently been
sprayed, slashed, burnt or cultivated. If stock must graze
these areas always provide a good alternative feed source
such as silage, hay, or cereals.
Pasture improvement (to provide plant competition for the
bracken) and controlled grazing to keep the pasture
healthy are both essential in keeping bracken to a level
where its of minimal risk to grazing stock.
Goats are more resistant to bracken poisoning than cattle
and are often grazed on hilly country to aid in the control
of bracken.
Acknowledgement
This Information Note was originally developed by Mike
Jeffers. The previous version was published in November
1998.
The advice provided in this publication is intended as a source of information only. Always read the label before using any of the products mentioned.
The State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular
purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this
publication.
State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries
Page 2

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Bracken Fern Poisoning of Cattle

Martin Roche, Warrnambool

Updated: June 2007

Two distinct clinical syndromes have been recognised in

In acute poisoning cases, the signs seen relate to infection

State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries

Bracken Fern Poisoning of Cattle

Signs of bracken poisoning can be confused with the signs

mature fronds. Exposed underground rhizomes are even

State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries

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