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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Clinical Examination Protocol to Detect Atypical and Classical Scrapie in Sheep
Published on: January 19, 2014
A neurological locomotor disorder in sheep grazing Stachys arvensis
A W Philbey1, A M Hawker, J V Evers
1New South Wales Agriculture, Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Wagga Wagga. phila@mri.sari.ac.uk
Objective:
To describe the clinical signs and pathology of a neurological locomotor disorder in sheep associated with ingestion of Stachys arvensis.
Design:
Field observations and laboratory examinations.
Procedure:
Clinical and pathological examinations were performed on sheep with suspected S arvensis intoxication. FIELD OBSERVATIONS: Merino sheep in a flock on the southwestern slopes of New South Wales developed a neurological disorder after grazing S arvensis. Affected animals had pelvic limb paresis and a proprioceptive deficit. When forced to exercise they stumbled and collapsed. Recovery following removal from the plant was slow. Many deaths were associated with the outbreak.
Results:
Affected sheep developed a mild degenerative myelopathy and peripheral neuropathy. Deficiencies of vitamins A and E were also observed in the affected flock.
Conclusion:
Grazing S arvensis is sometimes associated with a neurological locomotor disorder in sheep.
