The Maryland Department of Agriculture is warning farmers and grain elevator operators to check their wheat and barley crops for the presence of a fungus known as "vomitoxin" in their stored or unharvested grain. The troublesome pest does well when conditions are wet, as they were across much of the state this spring.

The fungus, more formally known as Fusarium head blight, or scab, produces a chemical called deoxynivalenol that renders the crop unmarketable, and unusable as feed. If animals eat enough of it, it causes excessive salivation, and irritated oral and gastrointenstinal tissues. The name alone suggests its symptoms.

The University of Maryland has already reported scab outbreaks , primarily in Southern Maryland and the Lower Eastern Shore, although the northern counties have seen some, too. The department's chief chemist is now testing samples of grain at elevators and feed mills to see whether the toxin is present and, if so, at what levels.

Farmers with crop insurance are advised to get in touch with their agents before harvesting the grain.  Wheat already in storage will not be eligible for insurance claims.

"Anyone considering feeding this year's crop to livestock definitely needs to know if vomitoxin is present, and at what levels, as some animals are very sensitive ... and can become sick from eating it," said Ag Secty Buddy Hance.

From April 1 through mid-June, BWI recorded more than 9 inches of surplus rain.