The Associated Press

FRANKFORT - State officials warned farmers Thursday to be vigilant about keeping livestock away from wild cherry trees.

The ice storm that hit the Lexington area in February damaged the limbs of some of the trees, leaving leaves from the trees within reach of livestock.

The leaves, which contain cyanide, are toxic to cattle, sheep, goats and horses.

"The ice storm left many trees partially broken but still able to produce leaves," state agriculture commissioner Billy Ray Smith said.

Higher limbs damaged in the storm can be blown down in a strong wind, he said.

Smith advises farmers to clear their wild cherry trees.

Some animals can die within an hour after ingesting wild cherry leaves.

"Wilted leaves are even more dangerous than non-wilted leaves, because the cyanide is more concentrated," state veterinarian Don Notter said.