South East Local Land Services district veterinarian Steve Whittaker said more than 40 cattle have died on a number of farms between Nowra and Albion Park over the past few weeks.

“Signs in affected cattle can include restlessness, drooling and staggering,” he said.

Cows then go down and generally die over the next two days. Affected cattle often give the appearance of having milk fever but do not respond to calcium treatment

“It is thought that an ingested toxin affects the normal functioning of the cow’s stomachs and the resultant distended fluid filled rumen is believed to cause the signs shown by affected cattle,” Dr Whittaker said.

“A similar condition has been seen previously on kikuyu pastures, particularly at times when a really wet period follows dry spell.”

Kikuyu poisoning is not well understood and is difficult to confirm. However, early laboratory work has uncovered findings in a number of cases that are consistent with this condition.

However as the toxic substance causing these deaths has not been determined it is also not possible to specifically treat affected animals. Farmers who see cattle that may be similarly affected should still contact their local veterinarian. Veterinarians are providing symptomatic treatment to early cases.