Nephrosis in cattle associated with consumption of Ludwigia peploides (Onagraceae)

This paper describes an outbreak of nephrosis in cattle associated with the consumption of Ludwigia peploides in Tucuman province, northwestern Argentina. Affected cows exhibited submandibular and chest edema, lethargy and ataxia, and eventually succumbed to these conditions. These animals were grazing in a floodable area severely invaded by this plant. The disease affected 7 out of a herd of 67 cows. Horses and goats grazing in the same location were not affected. The main gross and histological lesion corresponded to a severe nephrosis. The disease is similar to the poisoning by Ludwigia peruviana reported in Colombia. [Display omitted] •Consumption of Ludwigia peploides causes nephropathy in cattle.•To our knowledge, this is the first report of Ludwigia peploides in Argentina and South America.•Intoxication by this species occurs in floodplain fields during periods of food scarcity.•According to bibliographic records, intoxication occurs after prolonged consumption.