Even though all animals are susceptible to ergot poisoning, cattle are most commonly affected. Sporadic outbreaks are reported in cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry. However, most other species are susceptible. Ergot poisoning cases in wildlife are likely to be overlooked and rarely reported.

Thank you. We have an unusually high number of barley fields infected with ergot this year, and I have been receiving questions about wildlife impacts. I assumed it was a non-issue, but wanted to hear from others as well.

Animals get ergot either in the grain fed them or by grazing on infected grass. Obtained in either way, ergot may cause acute poisoning if a large quantity is eaten at one time. Also, because the effect of ergot is cumulative, poisoning may develop slowly if lesser quantities are eaten regularly. Experiments have shown, however, that a small amount of ergot is not injurious to dairy cattle that are amply provided with a balanced ration. But wild life which is herbivorus and graze on grasses, if infected are eaten, may cause ergot poisoning.