15/03/2026
Hi all. A little bit of information about the recent post from Cork Council Council regarding roots of Water Hemlock plant being found in Youghal Beach. I am sharing the post of Cork County Council but I am also giving you veterinary facts.
Thanks for reading and sharing. Johanna
WATER HEMLOCK POISONING (sources / references citations
Vetstream Ltd & Nicola Bates (online) Water hemlock poisoning. In: Vetlexicon Canis. ISSN 2398-2942. Vetstream Ltd, UK.)
Synonym(s): Cowbane, Water cowbane, Poison parsnip, Bulb-bearing water-hemlock, Western water hemlock, Douglas water hemlock, Snakeweed, Spotted water hemlock, Spotted parsley, Spotted cowbane, Water dropwort, Deadman’s fingers, Su***de root
• This plant, of Cicuta species, is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, mainly North America and Europe .
• They typically grow in wet meadows, along streams and in other wet and marshy areas.
• Cicuta species are difficult to identify, particularly in early spring when only the fleshy roots are present.
• On cutting the root of Cicuta species, characteristic chambers are visible and drops of yellowish oil exude which have the odor of raw parsnip. The oil quickly oxidizes to a brownish substance.
• The related plant Conium maculatum (hemlock) has a purple spotted stem and a mousy odor.
• These plants are very similar to other members in the family Apiaceae and may be confused with a number of other edible and poisonous plants.
• Roots of the European and American species of Cicuta have been mistaken for wild carrot (Daucus carota), parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), angelica (Angelica sylvestris), artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus), sweet anise (Pimpinella ansium) or sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas).
• The concentration of cicutoxin varies throughout the year. It is present in greatest concentration between autumn and early winter and is found mainly in the yellow oily juice of the roots.
• In spring the concentration in leaves and stems increases to concentrations sufficiently high to prove fatal, if ingested in sufficient quantity.
• Most cases of poisoning occur in cattle rather than companion animals and occur in the early spring, when other plants may be unavailable or less attractive. The tuber is palatable and also most toxic in early spring.
• As the plant grows toxicity decreases until the flowers and seeds develop; deaths have been reported from ingestion of mature umbels and fruits. Mature leaves in late spring and summer are less hazardous and poisoning generally only occurs in these seasons if the tubers are consumed.
• Wet weather may make water hemlock roots more accessible to animals, leading to episodes of poisoning. In early spring the roots may be partially above ground due to winter frost and ice.
• Signs may occur suddenly, usually within 15-60 min, death can occur quickly (within 15 min) or up to 8 h after ingestion.
• Recovery may take 4-5 days.
• Cicuta poisoning occurs mainly in North America and Europe.
• Few cases are reported in companion animals.
• It occurs mainly in heavy wet weather in companion animals.
• History of being walked along a riverbank, beach or in wet, marshy area.
• Evidence of ingestion of roots that have been dug or washed up.
Clinical signs will affect mainly the Central Nervous System and the Cardio Pulmonary System along with some Digestive signs.
• Hypersalivation.
• Vomiting.
• Apparent abdominal pain.
• Dilated pupils.
• Ataxia.
• Tremor and twitching.
• Hypotension.
• Bradycardia or tachycardia.
• Convulsions alternating with periods of relaxation and becoming more frequent and prolonged.
• Coma.
• Pyrexia.
• Death occurs from cardiopulmonary arrest.
• THERE IS NO ANTIDOTE. Treatment is essentially supportive WITH THE AIM TO CONTROL SEIZURE, SUPPORT VENTILATION AND CARDIO VASCULAR SYSTEM. Prognosis is good if the animal survives beyond 8 h and there are no complications from seizure activity.
TO PREVENT YOUR DOG TO HAVE ACCESS TO THIS PLANT
• Walk on a lead at high-risk times, if plants are known to grow in the area.
• Do not leave uprooted or discarded plant material (eg from dug out ditches) in areas accessible to animals.
• Ensure areas where the water hemlock is growing is securely fenced off to prevent access.
