“Ginestade”, an unrecognized sheep intoxication?
by François Vallat, Docteur vétérinaire, Docteur en Histoire, Adel. francoisvallat@hotmail.com
In 1782, in his observation – integrally reproduced in annex – of sheep intoxication by the Spanish Broom (Spartium junceum), the Lodève’s veterinarian Thorel only looked upon urinary symptoms. After a misinterpretation of his text, French authors of 19th century assimilated that intoxication with the oak’s one, an error that modern chemistry corrected.