Melia azedarach (Syringa berry)
By Dr Mackie Hobson BSc(Agric),BVSc

The Syringa is a tree that was introduced from India.

The ripe berries are toxic causing nervous signs, respiratory distress and diarrhoea. (Green berries and leaves also contain a little toxin).

Clinical signs:

Restless, muscle tremors (especially hindquarters)

Dyspnoea, cyanosis, diarrhoea and ultimately paralysis and death.

Post Mortem

Pips in rumen

Reference:

Plant Poisonings and Mycotoxicoses of livestock in Southern Africa (Kellerman, Coetzer, Naude)