What livestock farmers need to know about hemlock water dropwort poisoning

Farmers are being urged to look out for hemlock water dropwort, a highly poisonous plant which poses a serious risk to livestock, particularly cattle and sheep

clock • 2 min read
Credit: Tyndale Vets Ltd
Image:

Credit: Tyndale Vets Ltd

What is hemlock water dropwort? Hemlock water dropwort is one of the most toxic plants found in the UK. All parts are poisonous, but the thick, fleshy roots, sometimes called 'dead man's fingers', are...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Animal Health

UK facing biosecurity threat as illegal meat 'drive-bys' skip border checks
Animal Health

UK facing biosecurity threat as illegal meat 'drive-bys' skip border checks

New data shows a growing number of vehicles fail to comply despite being flagged by port systems

Jane Thynne
clock 04 March 2026 • 2 min read
Defra chief unaware of sheep shearing visa block as the news has not 'hit his desk'
Animal Health

Defra chief unaware of sheep shearing visa block as the news has not 'hit his desk'

Paul Kissack tells EFRA Select Committee he did not know if department was acting on animal health risk as he was unaware of situation

Jane Thynne
clock 03 March 2026 • 2 min read
South African dairy farmers on high alert for foot-and-mouth return
Animal Health

South African dairy farmers on high alert for foot-and-mouth return

Twenty five years since the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak in the UK, Chris McCullough looks at a farmer dealing with the disease in South Africa

Chris Mccullough
clock 03 March 2026 • 4 min read