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This article was published in 1974
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Stinkwood (Zteria Aborescens) Poisoning of Cattle in South-Coastal New South Wales

W.de-Sarem & E.J. McBarron, Veterinary Research Station, Glenfield.

Zieria aborescens is an aromatic shrub, 2-3 meters high, with white flowers 6-10 mm across and opposite trifoliate leaves. It grows in the higher rainfall areas of N.S.W., Victoria and Tasmania. In Tasmania, where it is known as Stinkwood, poisoning of cattle is known as Panting Disease on account of the acute respiratory embarrassment seen in the terminal stages of poisoning.

At Milton in south-coastal N.S.W. a case of poisoning occurred in September, 1973, involving an 18 months old Jersey heifer. The subject was one affected in a mob of 70 running in a bush paddock where several cows and calves had died after showing respiratory distress. In this case death occurred within 24 hours after notice of the condition.

Lesions were confined to the lung, which showed alveolar and septal emphysema with pulmonary oedema. The histo-pathological picture was consistent with the description by Munday (1968).

A botanical survey showed that a form of Zieria aborescens grew on different parts of the property and evidence that stock had grazed this plant reducing it to a range of 15cm to 100 cm high. It is of interest that the owner of the neighbouring property reported cattle standing dejected, grunting continuously and deaths within 48 hours after the first observation.

This note constitutes the first formal recognition of Stinkwood poisoning in N.S.W. to accord with Tasmanian reports of this condition.

Reference

Munday, B.L. (1968) Aust. vet. J. 44:501-2.