CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Agriculture Commissioner Gus. R. Douglass is warning farmers about the potential risk that acorns pose for livestock.

Douglass says cattle, horses, goats and sheep can develop serious health problems, including kidney failure, if they eat too many acorns.

State veterinarian Dr. Jewell Plumley says livestock are more likely to eat large amounts of acorns if there's a short supply of other food sources.

Symptoms of acorn toxicity include loss of appetite, depression, dehydration, constipation or bloody diarrhea that may contain mucous and pieces of acorn.

She says farmers should move their animals away from areas where acorns are plentiful and provide feed.