1. A member of the grass family, grows in clumps of 3-10 stalks, reaching a height of about 2-3 feet.

2. Leaves are broad, dark green, ribbed, and rough on the upper surface

3. Flower stalks are glabrous with a loose panicle

1. Fungal toxins produced by 2 molds that infest the Fescue plant

1. Acute Nervous Ergotism- primarily seen in cattle

      a) caused by alkaloids from Claviceps, spp

      b) cattle become hyperexcitable, develop muscle tremors, and become uncoordinated and may fall

      c) syndrome may progress to cause convulsions

      d) onset time is 1-5 days

2. Chronic Gangrenous Ergotism- primarily seen in cattle but also occurs in horses, swine, and sheep

      a) caused by ergot alkaloids from Claviceps, spp or by ergot peptides (Ergovaline)

      b) onset time- usually greater than one week

      c) initially animals often present with lameness in hind legs

      d) develop swelling above coronary band, become anxious and incoordinated, muscle tremors

      e) leads to sloughing of hooves, tail, or ears

3. Summer slump- seen primarily in cattle, most often in summer

      a) caused by ergot peptides (ergovaline) from Acremonium, spp

      b) poor weight gains, increased body temperature

      c) increased salivation, diarrhea, and decreased immunity

4. Reproductive Dysfunctions- primarily seen in horses but can also occur in cattle

      a) prolonged gestation and mare may have difficulty in giving birth; thickened placenta

      b) weak or stillborn foals

      c) abortion possible

      d) lack of milk production (agalactia) big problem in mares

1. Remove animals from fescue pasture- for pregnant mares 30-60 days before foaling

2. Antibiotics for gangrenous problems

3. Add more of other grasses and increase legumes in pastures