Mycotoxins produced by Pithomyces chartarum.

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Animals most affected
Cattle, sheep.

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Etiology
Ingestion of rye grass (Lolium species) contaminated by sporidesmin during autumn following periods of drought (particularly a problem in the south of France, Australia and New Zealand). Poisoning is still known as ‘ruminants' facial eczema'.

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Toxicity
Sporidesmin causes photosensitivity secondary to hepatic damage.

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Clinical features and lesions
These present 10-20 days following ingestion of the toxins:

• oedema of the lips and eyelids;
• inflammation and swelling of the ears and face (and in unpigmented areas);
• cystitis, nephrosis;
• fall in milk production;
• moderate to severe jaundice;
• haemolysis with haemoglobinuria;
• possible fatal outcome within 10 days of exposure.

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Treatment
No antidote. Symptomatic care only:

• place animal in a shaded area, or out of sunlight;
• antibiotic cover.

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Laboratory investigations

• a sample of dried plant material taken from ground level;
• a sample of faeces to be taken less than 24 hours after grazing on the field suspected of being contaminated; the samples for mycological analysis should be taken either directly from the animal or from the area where it has been grazing.