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

 

More on Animal Health

Colony cages to be banned as Defra unveils animal welfare shake-up

Colony cages to be banned as Defra unveils animal welfare shake-up

New measures to be introduced as part of animal welfare standards review

clock 12 January 2026 • 2 min read
DAERA to pay laboratory fees for Northern Irish bluetongue testing

DAERA to pay laboratory fees for Northern Irish bluetongue testing

UFU said the move will help ease the strain on farmers ‘unfairly caught up in the Temporary Control Zone’

Alex Black
clock 09 January 2026 • 3 min read
Industry reacts to Governments 'biggest animal welfare reforms in a generation' 

Industry reacts to Governments 'biggest animal welfare reforms in a generation' 

The strategy includes consultations into the use of cages for laying hens and farrowing crates for pigs, as well as a consultation into phasing out the use of CO2 gas killing of pigs

clock 22 December 2025 • 6 min read