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Agricultural industry

Toxic Plant Pimelea Affects Livestock Production and Financial Losses in Australian Agriculture

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers have conducted a survey to assess the impact of the highly toxic plant *Pimelea* on livestock production, pasture systems, and financial losses among agricultural producers in Australia. The study found that *Pimelea* significantly affects animal production, with 97% of producers surveyed acknowledging its detrimental effects. The plant's presence was mostly observed in spring and winter, and its germination was associated with light to moderate rainfall.

Key Takeaways:

  • *Pimelea* is one of the most toxic plants in Australia, particularly affecting cattle, and contains a potent toxin called simplexin that can cause *Pimelea* poisoning (St. George Disease) in livestock.
  • A survey was conducted to assess the current impact of *Pimelea* on livestock production, pasture systems, and financial losses among agricultural producers in Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia.
  • 97% of producers surveyed acknowledged the detrimental effects of *Pimelea*, with cattle being the most severely affected (94%).
  • The presence of *Pimelea* was mostly observed in spring (65%) and winter (48%), although 29% of respondents indicated that it could be present all year-round under favorable rainfall conditions.
  • *Pimelea simplex* F. Muell. was the most frequently encountered species (71%), followed by *Pimelea trichostachya* Lindl. (26%).
  • Infestations were reported to occur annually by 47% of producers, with 41% noting occurrences every 2 to 5 years.
  • Producers estimated average annual losses of AUD 67,000, with 50% reporting an average of 26 cattle deaths per year, reaching up to 105 deaths in severe years.
  • Producers were spending up to AUD 2100 per annum to manage *Pimelea*.
  • Integrating competitive pastures and alternative livestock, such as sheep and goats, was considered as a potential management strategy to reduce *Pimelea*-related risks to livestock and agricultural production systems.

Statistics:

  • 97% of producers surveyed acknowledged the detrimental effects of *Pimelea*.
  • 94% of cattle were severely affected by *Pimelea*.
  • 65% of respondents observed *Pimelea* presence in spring.
  • 48% of respondents observed *Pimelea* presence in winter.
  • 71% of *Pimelea* species were identified as *Pimelea simplex* F. Muell.
  • 26% of *Pimelea* species were identified as *Pimelea trichostachya* Lindl.
  • 47% of producers reported annual infestations of *Pimelea*.
  • 41% of producers reported infestations of *Pimelea* every 2 to 5 years.
  • Average annual losses due to *Pimelea* were estimated at AUD 67,000.
  • 50% of producers reported an average of 26 cattle deaths per year.
  • Maximum cattle deaths reported in severe years were 105.

Sources:

  • *Pimelea* and Its Toxicity: A Survey of Landholder Experiences and Management Practices. Toxins, 2025,17(8):393. (Toxins - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/toxins/). The publisher for Toxins is MDPI AG.
  • NewsRx. Study Findings from University of Queensland Provide New Insights into Agriculture (*Pimelea* and Its Toxicity: A Survey of Landholder Experiences and Management Practices). Agriculture Week. September 11, 2025; p 525.

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