Toxicosis in tule elk caused by ingestion of poison hemlock
Jessup, D.A.; Boermans, H.J.; Kock, N.D.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 189(9): 1173-1175
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 3505971 Document Number: 272009
During the autumn of 1985, 16 tule elk (Cervus elephus nannodes) of the 120 on Grizzly Island, died from hemlock (Conium maculatum) poisoning. Symptoms included depression, recumbency, paralysis, groaning, tooth grinding, reduced heart rate, dyspnoea, and hypersalivation. Some died suddenly while others struggled for one or two days. Haematology and blood chemistry was normal apart from increased packed cell volume, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, lactic dehydrogenase, total protein concentration. Elk had eaten roots as well as stems and leaves. The total alkaloid concentration was greater in roots (5 mg/g dry weight) than in green plant material (0.2 mg/g). The alkaloids in the leaves and stems consisted of 22% coniine, 76.1% gamma -coniceine and 1.9% other types. The alkaloids in the roots were 6% coniine and 94% other types. The outbreak of poisoning was probably due to a reduction in the grazing area on the island due to flooding and replanting pastures.