Fescue lameness (also known as fescue foot) resembles ergotism (ergot poisoning); however, they are two different types of fescue toxicities.

Ergotism is a worldwide disease caused from ingestion of sclerotia (compact hardened mass of fungal mycelium) of the parasitic fungus Claviceps purpurea, which replaces the grain, seed of rye, or other forage plants such as bromes, bluegrasses, fescues and ryegrasses. Ergot infected pastures and hay made from ergot infected grasses is equally toxic. The sclerotia can be seen as elongated, hard, round projections about 5-10 mm long, brown to black in color with a white interior when they are broken open.

Fescue lameness, which resembles ergot poisoning, is believed to be caused by ergot alkaloids, especially ergovaline, produced by the endophyte fungus Neotyphodium coenophialum in tall fescue grass (Lolium arundinaceum, formerly Festuca arundinacea). Ergovaline has actions similar to those produced by sclerotia of Claviceps purpurea. However, ergotism is not the cause of fescue lameness.

Ergotism is most prevalent in late summer when the seed heads of grass mature. Fescue lameness is most common in late fall and winter. For control of these fescue…