An outbreak of lupinosis in sheep.

Lupinosis is a mycotoxicosis caused by the ingestion of toxins produced by the fungus phomopsis leptostromiformis which grows on lupin plants. An outbreak of natural lupinosis in lambs occurred in Caceres, Spain. Clinical signs were inappetence, depression, constipation, weakness and different degrees of jaundice. Blood samples were analysed every 7 d for 5 w for hematocrit, total protein, glucose, total bilirubin, and GOT, GPT and alkaline phosphatase activities. The last 4 parameters were increased and returned to normal values after 2-3 w. The liver was swollen and a bright yellow color; microscopically fatty metamorphosis, necrotic areas and infiltration of polymorphonuclears were observed. This is the first time that lupinosis is described in Spain.