Hepatotoxicosis in cattle associated with consumption of Punica granatum (pomegranate).

METHODS

Ingestion of pomegranates was associated with the deaths of 9 of 35 young cattle; 8 were found dead without any prior clinical signs being noted and 1 animal was observed to be weak with pale-pink mucous membranes. Gross pathological changes included widespread subcutaneous and serosal haemorrhages and the liver showed an enhanced acinar or 'nutmeg-like' pattern. The significant histopathological lesion was severe, acute periacinar to midzonal hepatocellular necrosis. These findings were considered characteristic of a hepatotoxicosis; however, other than the possible involvement of pomegranates, no known hepatotoxins were detected in the pasture or water sources.

CONCLUSIONS

Consumption of large quantities of whole pomegranates is capable of causing severe hepatic necrosis resulting in the death of cattle. At this stage it is unknown whether the toxic principle is within the pomegranates or produced by a microbe associated with the deteriorating fruit.