– Dean Kreager, Licking County Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

Downed cherry trees pose a health risk for livestock.
Many people are aware of the danger when grazing animals consume wilted leaves from black cherry trees. These leaves contain prussic acid which can result in cyanide poisoning. If this sounds familiar, it is also the compound that causes toxicity issues with some warm season annuals after a frost.
Signs of toxicity can set in within 15 minutes of ingesting wilted leaves. You may notice excess salivation, labored breathing, and convulsions. Symptoms set in quickly so often you may find dead animals without seeing signs. The lethal dose for cattle has been reported as 1.2 to 4.8 pounds of wilted black cherry leaves for a 1,200-pound cow and .18 to .72 pounds for a Continue reading Watch for downed cherry trees!