Melia azedarach (Syringa berry)
By Dr Mackie Hobson
Friday, 2nd October 2020The Syringa is a tree that was introduced from India.
The ripe berries are toxic causing nervous signs, respiratory distress and diarrhoea. (Green berries and leaves also contain a little toxin).
Clinical signs:
Restless, muscle tremors (especially hindquarters)
Dyspnoea, cyanosis, diarrhoea and ultimately paralysis and death.
Post Mortem
Pips in rumen
Reference:
Plant Poisonings and Mycotoxicoses of livestock in Southern Africa (Kellerman, Coetzer, Naude)