30 September 2025: Acorn poisoning
Published 28 November 2025
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
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Situation
APHA is aware of several recent cases of acorn poisoning in cattle and sheep. This includes other laboratories reporting diagnosed cases in their newsletters.
Details
This year is described as a “Mast year” with a high acorn crop predicted, so awareness is relevant as the impact in individual herds and flocks can be significant with high mortality.
Cases are more likely following stormy weather resulting in high numbers of acorns falling on the ground in a short space of time.
Clinical signs can be seen 3-7 days after ingestion of green acorns in autumn and include anorexia, depression, polydipsia and polyuria, haematuria, icterus and constipation followed by diarrhoea.
Diagnosis of intoxication is based on clinical signs, biochemistry (increased BUN and creatinine), necropsy and epidemiology.
Further information
For further information, see the Quercus Poisoning in Animals – Toxicology – MSD Veterinary Manual.
Message sent from the Surveillance Intelligence Unit SIU@apha.gov.uk