PlantFunTall fescue Toxic?
Only tall fescue colonized by the endophytic fungus Epichloë coenophiala is toxic; uninfected plants are completely safe.
Toxicity stems from ergot alkaloids produced by the endophyte, including ergovaline, ergosin, ergotamine, and ergocryptin.
Cattle are the most sensitive to fescue toxicosis, while horses and rodents have comparatively higher resistance.
FAQ
Is Tall fescue toxic to Humans?
No confirmed toxicity cases in humans reported to date, risk is considered negligible. (Non-toxic)
Is Tall fescue toxic to Cats?
No confirmed fescue toxicosis cases reported in cats, no known clinical symptom data available. (Non-toxic)
Is Tall fescue toxic to Dogs?
No confirmed fescue toxicosis cases reported in dogs, no known clinical symptom data available. (Non-toxic)
Is Tall fescue toxic to Horses?
Reduced pregnancy rate, early abortion, prolonged gestation, reduced milk production, thickened placental tissue. (Low)
Toxicity Details
No confirmed toxicity cases in humans reported to date, risk is considered negligible.
No confirmed fescue toxicosis cases reported in cats, no known clinical symptom data available.
No confirmed fescue toxicosis cases reported in dogs, no known clinical symptom data available.
Reduced pregnancy rate, early abortion, prolonged gestation, reduced milk production, thickened placental tissue.
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Immediately remove access to all suspected endophyte-infected tall fescue pasture or feed.
- • Monitor exposed animals for signs of elevated temperature, reduced feed intake, or unusual reproductive changes.
- • Collect samples of consumed grass/feed for endophyte testing to confirm exposure if possible.
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Animal shows visible signs of fescue toxicosis including reproductive issues, reduced milk production, or elevated body temperature.
- • Pregnant or lactating livestock have been confirmed to have consumed infected tall fescue.
- • Grazing cattle show signs of persistent winter fur in summer, lameness, or unexpected weight loss.
Prevention
- • Test pasture tall fescue for endophyte presence before allowing livestock grazing.
- • Plant endophyte-free tall fescue varieties for pastures used for pregnant or lactating animals.
- • Avoid feeding untested tall fescue hay to sensitive livestock including cattle and pregnant mares.
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Decontaminate the digestive tract if large amounts of infected material were recently ingested.
- • Provide tailored symptomatic supportive care based on the animal's presented clinical signs.
- • Administer domperidone to horses with fescue toxicosis per veterinary guidance to normalize gestation length and increase milk production.
Professional Toxicology
• Ergot alkaloids produced by Epichloë coenophiala in infected grass cause vasoconstriction and disrupt hormonal function including prolactin production.
• Alkaloids interfere with thermoregulation, fat metabolism, reproductive function, and immune response in affected animals.
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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Data Sources
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.