Horses affected develop profound depression, drowsiness, ataxia, circling, head pressing, blindness, delirium, hyperexcitability, seizures, recumbency or sudden death. Though definitive diagnosis can only be made by finding the characteristic changes in the brain at necropsy some other changes are helpful. Fumonisin is liver toxic also so signs of liver disease may be evident. There is no treatment other than keeping the horse as comfortable as possible. Most affected horses die within 48-72 hr.
Infection takes place at the base of the plant and produces discoloration in the stalk.
Avoiding stress problems by proper use of cultural practices is the best approach to control. History, World-Wide Occurrence and Impact. Plant Dis . J. Food Prot.