In August 2007, two Belgian Blue cows which had been on pasture for three months showed high fever (41.4°C), epistaxis, melena, cutaneous bleeding, a stiff gait and red lesions on the udder. Blood examination revealed severe pancytopenia and bluetongue virus serotype 8 could be demonstrated by PCR. Despite blood transfusion and supportive treatment, both animals died within 6 days after the initial symptoms. At necropsy, an explicit case of a blood coagulation disorder was observed. Inspection at pasture, one week later, showed the presence of numerous regenerated young fronds of Pteridium aquilinum. Whereas the stiff gait and the red lesions on the udder are likely bluetongue virus associated, other symptoms are consistent with acute bracken poisoning (acute hemorrhagic syndrome). The present report illustrates that also in Belgium, where the density of bracken fern is relatively low, pastures should be carefully screened for the presence of young fronds
