Vetnuus | Januarie 2024 14 « BACK TO CONTENTS Verbesina encelioides (figure 1), commonly referred to as wild sunflower contains the toxic principle, galegine. It has recently been implicated in clinical cases of intoxication in sheep and cattle in several provinces of South Africa, except Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. There are no studies that have been conducted on the toxic effects of the plant in South Africa, although, there is evidence of a wide distribution range. We have embarked on an investigation to determine the concentration of galegine in different geographical localities in South Africa. To measure the concentration of galegine the identification and collection of the plant material is needed. Therefore, this serves to kindly request colleagues to assist with the plant collection (aerial parts of 10 plants plus GPS coordinates) if it is present on farms, as well as reporting any suspected cases of intoxication. The information or any further questions can be communicated to Dr Asive Luningo (details above). Clinical signs of intoxication include dullness, anorexia, trembling, weakness, recumbency, tachycardia, difficulty in breathing, and cyanosis. Pathological findings reported include hydrothorax, pulmonary oedema, foam accumulation in the airways, red-mottled liver, and pericardial effusion. The animals die acutely due to respiratory arrest. Verbesina encelioides has been reported in other countries causing similar clinical signs. Verbesina encelioides-a potentially toxic plant A request for assistance with the collection of the plant material Dr Asive Luningo (BVSc) Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology Department of Paraclinical Science Faculty of Veterinary Science Email: asive.luningo@up.ac.za Tel: 012 529 8581 Figure 1: Verbesina encelioides (wild sunflower/ golden crownbeard/ cowpen daisy). (Image source: M. Hitch, Kansas, US) 5
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