BULAWAYO - Cattle in Nyamandlovu have died after eating a poisonous plant. The plant is small with very extensive root system of up to 20 metres deep.It It is mostly confined to the Kalahari sands of Matabeleland North and South provinces and parts of Mwenezi district.
The plant has green leaves and it is usually the first to appear in the early spring.
“I lost three beasts last week after they had eaten umkauzaan. The veld fires burnt most of the pastures and as a result this plant was the first vegetation to sprout. As the only green vegetation, it is attractive to animals,” said the village development committee member of Red Leaf, Twoboy Moyo.
There is no treatment for animals that might have ingested the plant, except to deprive the cattle of water which activates the poison.
The Veterinary Department confirmed the deaths.
“We have received some reports of cattle dying from eating the plant especially in areas such as Red Leaf and Red Bank. This is perennial problem in most parts of the province especially during this season, said a representative.
Post published in: News