loco disease
Noun: A neurological disorder affecting livestock, primarily caused by the chronic ingestion of certain plants known as locoweeds. The poisoning leads to a range of symptoms including muscular weakness, loss of coordination, tremors, and partial paralysis.
The term is used specifically in veterinary and agricultural contexts to describe the condition resulting from locoweed toxicity. - The rancher identified the sick cattle as suffering from loco disease. - Preventing animals from grazing on infested pastures is key to avoiding loco disease.
- The condition is sometimes referred to simply as "locoism", which is a synonym derived from the same cause.
- "To be locoed" is an informal adjectival phrase describing an animal affected by this disease.
- The horse was acting strange; the vet said it might be locoed.
- Locoweed (n): Any of various leguminous plants of the genera and that cause loco disease when ingested.
- Locoism (n): Another term for loco disease; the pathological state of being poisoned by locoweed.
- Locoweed poisoning: The direct cause of the disease.
- Locoism: A technical synonym for the disease condition.
This term has a highly specific meaning within animal husbandry. It does not refer to general madness or erratic behavior in humans (which is an informal, dated use of "loco" from Spanish). The definition is strictly tied to the toxicological effect of specific plants on grazing animals.
- a disease of livestock caused by locoweed poisoning; characterized by weakness and lack of coordination and trembling and partial paralysis