The diagnostic significance of detecting Rathayibacter toxicus in the rumen contents and feces of sheep that may be affected by annual ryegrass toxicity.

Abstract

Abstract This study was conducted to diagnose acute, subacute and chronic annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) toxicity (ARGT) in sheep by detection of corynetoxins (CT) produced by Rathayibacter toxicus in the seed heads in the rumen fluid and faeces using a modified ELISA. It was shown that although the ELISA was able to detect R. toxicus in the rumen contents and faeces, there was no diagnostically significant level of the bacterium in the rumen content as the ranges for CT did not differ between affected and healthy animals. In contrast, the mean ELISA result for faecal CT was significantly greater in affected sheep and those that died from ARGT compared to unaffected ones.