UK livestock farmers warned about fungi in grain

Livestock farmers in the UK are being urged by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) to be familiar with how to spot for signs of ergot and fusarium, as there could be an increased presence of the two types of fungi in grain harvested this summer. Instances of ergot and fusarium are likely to have increased because of the wetter than average weather during the 2024 growing period. The AHDB has said that although harvested crops being processed through a mill will be thoroughly checked, the risk remains where grain is being used directly on farm to feed livestock. Fungi in grain Ergot, which can affect wheat, barley, rye, triticale and oats, is particularly toxic and has the potential to make humans and livestock seriously ill. It can constrict blood vessels and damage the nervous system, resulting in seizures, loss of muscle strength, poor coordination and in the most severe cases, death. Lameness is often the first sign, followed by an increase in temperature ...