Poisonous Plants in NZ Tutu (Bush Shrub) By Sam, Joanna, Kim and Amy
Description of Access ‘Tutu’ is a shrub, up to 20 feet high. They are of easy access to farm stock Occurs in open places, costal, forests and close to water ways Mostly sheep and cattle are affected Humans can be affected by honey from bees collecting tutu pollen Apart from pedals, all parts of the shrub are toxic Responsible for greatest % of stock poising by plants in NZ
Key Clinical Signs Signs of poisoning include Vomiting Dizziness Excitability Stupor leading to Convulsions
Antidote There is no antidote for tutu and ruminates don’t vomit Key is avoidance and identifying the plant and access
Reduction and Absorption Prevention of absorption is clinically important in management of toxicites Absorption is obtain from digesting Tutin, the toxin present in the leave sap and presumably the pollen Reduce absorption by gastric decontamination
Supportive Therapy Fluids Seizure Control Maintain body Temperature Control specific signs
Prevention of Future Exposure Remove source Prevent access to road sides Avoid extensive farming Have a good weed management plan in place