Giant hogweed and ducklings
Harwood, D.G.
Veterinary Record 116(11): 300
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 3992835 Document Number: 243417
Four of seven ducklings (1-week-old) showed severe vesication of the feet, with the largest vesicle being 2 cm in diameter. There was also extensive vesication on the upper part of the beak in two ducklings, the swelling obliterating the nares and necessitating 'open beaked' breathing. The affected beaks were white, whereas pigmented beaks were unaffected. Large quantities of young Heracleum mantegazzianum were present in their paddock. Three weeks later, after confinement to a shed and antibiotic therapy, the foot lesions showed heavy scab deposits and dark pigmentation. The two with beak lesions were 30% smaller than the others and had severe upper beak deformity.