By Joanie Bergh
Approximately 100 cattle have likely died due to an outbreak of African armyworms in a camp on a farm near Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape.
“The cattle all died in the same camp and showed symptoms such as dripping saliva from the mouth and bloating,” says Megan Maritz, natural resources manager at Agri Eastern Cape.
A private veterinarian performed a post-mortem examination and concluded that the cattle likely died from toxic grass due to the outbreak. Samples were collected and sent to the state veterinarian for further analysis.
Outbreaks of armyworms on kikuyu grass can release a cyanide-like chemical that poisons the grass.
“Cattle can become sick and only show symptoms days later, which can then lead to deaths,” says Maritz.
The organisation first warned farmers about African armyworms on 4 April, following outbreaks in the Berlin and Kwelega areas. This comes after outbreaks in other provinces, including North West, Limpopo, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Free State.
Agri Eastern Cape advises farmers to check their pasture daily and report any sightings or instances of African or fall armyworms.
If cattle are in pastures where armyworms occur, they should be removed immediately, and a veterinarian should be called to examine the animals for any necessary treatment.
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