An outbreak of primary photosensitisation in lambs secondary to consumption of Biserrula pelecinus (biserrula). Issue 5 (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kessell, AE; Ladmore, GE; Quinn, JC
• Is Part Of: Australian veterinary journal. Volume 93:Issue 5(2015)
• Page Start: 174
• Page End: 178
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: Veterinary medicine -- Australia -- Periodicals; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1111/avj.12318
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0005-0423

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="avj12318-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Case report</title> <p>An outbreak of photosensitisation affecting approximately 25% of a flock of 120 meat lambs that was grazing a monoculture of the pasture legume <italic>Biserrula pelecinus</italic> var. <italic>Casbah</italic> (biserrula) was investigated. Blood samples were taken from sheep with moderate to severe clinical signs, and from apparently normal animals, for a complete blood count and biochemistry; 5 affected animals were subjected to a full necropsy. Histopathological investigation showed lesions consistent with photosensitisation of the exposed unpigmented skin of the face and ears. No histopathological or clinical pathological abnormalities suggestive of a hepatopathy were detected in any of the cases, indicating that the lesions observed in this flock were caused by a primary photosensitising agent present in <italic>B</italic>. <italic>pelecinus</italic>.</p> </sec> <sec id="avj12318-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>This is the first confirmation that photosensitisation caused by ingestion of biserrula is caused by a primary photosensitising agent.</p> </sec> </abstract>