ABSTRACT
The present work aimed to study the photosensitization outbreaks that have occurred in several livestock species in the semi-arid region of Rio Grande do Norte State, Northeastern Brazil. Seventeen farms with natural cases of photosensitization were visited, interviews were performed with animal keepers, and clinical examinations and serum biochemical panel for hepatic function were done. It was also performed evaluation of the pastures searching for suspected plants which could be promoting the disease. Samples of suspected plants as responsible for photosensitization were tested for trial detection of saponins. It was verified that photosensitization is characteristic of the secondary type (hepatogenous), and the most affected species are horses and cattle, but sheep, goats, and donkeys may also be affected. Furthermore, it seems that does not exist variation on the age susceptibility, but there are seasonal differences for occurrence of photosensitization, with outbreaks incidence in the rainy season. The most probably plant responsible for the disease is Floehlichia humboldtiana ('ervanço'), the only highly prevalent species in all places and that contains saponin
KEY WORDS
Photosensitization; ervanço;
Floehlichia humboldtiana
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