North West Weeds 
          Your local guide to local noxious weed control (NSW, Australia)

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North West Weeds
ABN 16 052 158 879
Postal address:
20 Dinoga Street
BINGARA
NSW 2404

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Rock fern species are native plants.  They are quite common throughout many parts of the north-west.  Every now and then, unfortunately, stock - especially cattle new to an area - will decide to feed on the plants.

Rock fern species have been blamed for the poisoning deaths of up to 30 head of cattle on a property halfway between Bingara and Warialda, over a three months' period to May 2003. Post mortems on some animals confirmed the deaths resulted from feeding on fern species.  Later examinations on other animals by another local veterinarian revealed the presence of (reddish) fern stalks in the gut, further confirmation of the earlier diagnosis.  Reports have also been received of cattle deaths in the Ashford area during the same period.

ROCK FERN (Cheilanthes tenuifolia ssp. tenuifolia) and MULGA FERN (Cheilanthes sieberi subsp. sieberi) are very similar in appearance.  According to the excellent reference book "Plants of Western New South Wales"  by Cunningham, Mulham, Milthorpe & Leigh (published by Inkata Press), the two plants "may be present together in many areas". [Photos right and below - typical mulga fern plants - Warialda 27 Jun 03)

"Plants of Western New South Wales" states that  both species are "not grazed readily by stock but may be utilised in times of extreme food shortage".  While many sheep and cattle deaths have been attributed to rock fern in the past, its close relative mulga fern is the species most likely to have caused the problem.

Selwyn Everist's "Poisonous Plants of Australia" (published by Angus & Coote) indicates "mulga fern or rock fern "poisonings occur when the fern is in a dry state and when little other feed is available.  In NSW cases are usually reported between January and March while in Queensland cases have occurred more from July to September.

"Effects on animals are worse if they are driven after eating the fern and if continued the animals usually die. The best option is to remove them from the paddock if possible. In drought years 1969-70 heavy losses of cattle were experienced. To avoid losses, don't drive stock, don't allow access to paddocks with fern or remove them after 10 days grazing and place on other feed for three weeks before returning for another ten days".

TREATMENT

No herbicides are registered for treatment of rock or mulga fern.  Both are native species.

MORE INFORMATION: 

	"Plants of Western New South Wales"  by Cunningham, Mulham, Milthorpe & Leigh (published by Inkata Press).
	"Poisonous Plants of Australia" by Selwyn Everist  (published by Angus & Coote).

DISCLAIMER:   The information contained in this web site is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing. However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon which they rely is up to date and to check currency of the information with the appropriate officer of North West Weeds or the user’s independent adviser. 

LRT 28/06/06

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Copyright © 2007-2008 Last modified: 25/11/07 - L R Tanner