Prussic Acid Testing Available
Monday, July 11, 2022
Multiple livestock deaths related to prussic acid toxicity have recently been reported across several Oklahoma counties. Weather conditions such as drought or freezing can cause some plants in the sorghum family, such as Johnsongrass, to become toxic.
Even limited grazing can cause death due to the ingestion of prussic acid, also known as hydrocyanic acid or cyanide. When producers encounter animals displaying clinical signs of prussic acid toxicity, they should immediately move all animals that appear normal to a new pasture and contact their veterinarian.
To prevent prussic acid toxicity, producers should test plants for the presence of prussic acid. Semi-quantitative testing is available in our laboratory with a limit of detection of 0.2 ppm. Contact us today for more information on how to submit a sample.