ST. LOUIS (AP) - Farmers and ranchers in southwest Missouri are being urged to monitor livestock after ergot, a fungus that can be deadly for cattle, has been spotted in several hayfields and pastures.
Ergot is an airborne fungus that affects seed heads of cereal grains such as rye, barley, oat and wheat. It is most prevalent in wet, humid years.
Sarah Kenyon, an agricultural specialist for the University Missouri Extension Service in Texas County, says ergot is showing up so often that farmers are being urged to check their fields. If the fungus is prevalent, they should consider moving cattle to a different location.
It isn't clear if any cattle have died from ergot poisoning this year. Messages seeking comment from the Missouri Department of Agriculture were not immediately returned.
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