Mr Croker said the risk of further noogoora burr contamination in the consignment was minimal, however he said the incident was a good reminder of the need for both feed suppliers and purchasers to remain vigilant. Agriculture Western Australia protection officer Fred Hearn said noogoora burr was a dangerous weed that had the potential to devastate the State's valuable wool industry. It is also poisonous to stock at the seedling stage and the dry burrs may cause discomfort and injury, particularly to sheep. The weed can grow so densely that cattle and sheep cannot get access to watering places. Noogoora burr stems grow normally up to 2.5 metres in height but occasionally reach four metres.
Isolated plants have a branched stem, however plants growing in a clump are usually single stemmed.
The stems lack spines, but have a fine bristly covering, which are often arranged in a zig-zag manner and usually carry purplish blotches or streaks in young plants. The leaves are similar in appearance to a grapevine leaf, but have a rough texture. Any sightings of noogoora burr should be reported to the local Agriculture WA office. Click on the image for a larger view Stockfeed users have been asked to keep an eye out for noogoora burr, which has the potential to devastate the wool industry. Electronic jpg photographs available on request.