SOUTHERN Scientific Services principal, Larry Walker has expressed concern there is a very high danger to livestock of staggers from perennial ryegrass and phalaris as well as the risk of phalaris sudden death syndrome.

The Hamilton-based Mr Walker undertakes pasture toxicology testing at his Port Fairy Road laboratory, as well as water quality and antibiotic meat withholding tests, and said the unusually dry late summer and autumn, coupled with the falling temperatures in late May, were the perfect conditions for these problems.