While ergot itself is extremely dangerous, modern feed production practices are vigilant in not allowing ergot into grain mixtures.
Pasture poisoning remains the most likely source for toxicosis.
Poultry and horses may also be affected. Fungal bodies in the seed heads of grains and grasses. Behavioral changes, lameness, abortions, convulsions, gangrene, death. Each body is up to 1 inch long, larger than the normal grain, and protrudes conspicuously from the head. One to a half dozen ergot bodies may develop on one head of grass.