Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions
BRIEF: Is mistletoe toxic to cattle?
QUESTION:
While cutting mistletoe out of trees, some of our horses ingested 1-2
mouthfuls of leaves - the vet recommended oiling them (mineral oil to
the stomach) to protect digestive process, etc. It is toxic to horses.
What about cattle? We dumped several bushels over the fence.
ANSWER:
According to Fuller and McClintock, Phorodendron villosum killed quite a few
cattle on an L.A. County ranch in 1952. I would not get any near my cattle.
1 or 2 mouthfulls is unlikely to do to much to your horses, if you haven't
noticed anything by now, they will probably be fine.