“DEVIL’S CLAW”
NEW PERIL FOR SHEEP. DIABOLICAL SEED. The “devil’s claw” seed pod, bearing a striking resemblance to the head of a curlew, is causing New South "Wales sheepmen much concern. The beak part, which is about four inches long, ending in a sharp curve at the neck-end, it fitted with projecting claws six inches long, with 'hooked points. The pod is so shaped that the claws close on a sheep’s jaw on ea'ch side of the nose, and the beak part hooks underneath the jaw near the root of the tongue. Thus muzzled, the sheep is slowly starved to death a‘mid,st plenty, being unable to eat or drink.
The senior veterinary surgeon in the New South Wales Agricultural Department says that “ devil’s claw ” is a common weed in many districts, and it is unusual for it to become attached to the jaws of sheep; but it would be quite strong enough to prevent a sheep from opening its mouth once it did become attached. It usually grips the legs of sheep. “Devil’s claw ” has been declared a noxious weed in Macquarie shire, adjoining Cudgegong shire, in which Mudgee is situated.
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Bibliographic details
Waipa Post, Volume 31, Issue 1731, 11 March 1926, Page 2
Word Count
191“DEVIL’S CLAW” Waipa Post, Volume 31, Issue 1731, 11 March 1926, Page 2
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