Farmers warned about hemlock water dropwort poisoning
27th August 2025
Livestock farmers have been warned about the deadly hemlock water dropwort poisoning following recent incidents reported by South West vets.
The Tyndale Vets team confirmed that they have recently dealt with several cases of hemlock water dropwort poisoning in cows.
The risk of poisoning has likely been worsened due to the drought, meaning the water level in ditches are lower, so cattle are going deeper into ditches/digging for water.
It can also occur after ditch dredging and removal of the plants that livestock can consume, the experts explained.
‘Please be vigilant’
Early clinical signs of the poisoning include rapid breathing, teeth grinding and muscle weakness before progressing to seizures and paralysis. Death follows shortly after. There is no treatment. It can affect both cattle and sheep.
Oenanthe crocata, known as hemlock water dropwort or as dead man’s fingers, has characteristic tuber roots. The flower itself can look similar to cow parsley, though the stem is firmer and woody.
“Please be vigilant and check any ditches for hemlock prior to putting livestock in the field. Wear gloves if removing hemlock. It is also still toxic if baled into hay,” the team at Tyndale Vets said.
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