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DROUGHT when injured or under stress. The Midwest Cattleman · October 1, 2020 · P34
continued from page 33 Enzymes convert glycosides Molaei said CAES was
to sugar. Levels of cyanide ASIAN LONGHORNED
mals may tolerate nitrates dif- greater than 2 milligrams per continued from page 32 closely monitoring the distri-
ferently. For more information, kilogram (2 ppm) of dry plant bution and human biting ac-
see the MU Extension publica- tissue are considered poten- is currently in the process of tivity of the invasive tick spe-
tion “Nitrate Problems in Live- tially dangerous. Prussic acid investigating what pathogens cies, as well as its potential to
stock Feed and Water”. is readily absorbed into the this tick can become infected transmit local and non-native
Another concern during bloodstream and causes toxic- with and transmit to humans diseases.
drought is prussic acid (or cy- ity by blocking normal cellular in the country. Asian longhorned ticks are
anide) poisoning. This some- respiration. "The identification of an reddish-brown, with adult
times happens when livestock Prussic acid levels are established population of the females measuring up to 3.4
cannot find desirable forage highest in young, leafy tissue, Asian longhorned tick in Con- millimeters long and 2 mil-
and turn to tree leaves to curb whether in initial growth after necticut highlights the chal- limeters wide, according to
hunger. “Know what is in your planting or regrowth after lenge and risk to human and CAES. They are able to re-
pasture and keep livestock clipping. animal health in the state, produce without mating, with
away from potentially toxic “Since it is the young, though this risk is not limited each female able to lay up to
plants and trees,” says Scheidt. fast-growing tissue that con- to Connecticut," Goudarz Mo- 2,000 eggs at a time.
She recommends the “rule tains dangerous levels of prus- laei, head of the CAES Passive They are generalists, feed-
of two” offered by longtime MU sic acid, avoid grazing until Tick Surveillance and Testing ing on a range of different
Extension livestock specialist the plant reaches a height of at Program, said in a statement. hosts at each stage of their
Eldon Cole. “Wait two weeks or least 24 inches to allow prus- "The potential is high for lifestyle, including birds,
2 feet of growth after extreme sic acid to dissipate,” Scheidt invasive ticks capable of small mammals, cattle, sheep,
drought or a late frost before says. “Unlike nitrates, which transmitting pathogens of goats, horses, dogs, cats, coy-
allowing livestock to graze are persistent, prussic acid human and veterinary con- otes, foxes, groundhogs, deer,
susceptible plants,” she says. disappears during the hay cern to become further estab- raccoons and opossums.
“Do not turn in hungry live- curing or ensiling process.” lished in new areas as envi-
stock, since high consumption ronments continue to change.
increases poisoning potential.” MU Extension Proper surveillance, intercep-
Prussic acid affects new tion, and identification of ex-
growth and does not affect otic ticks are vital to protect-
millet. Sorghum-sudangrass ing human and veterinary
plants release prussic acid health."
