It is usually produced by the fungus Rhizoctonia leguminicola which is a common fungal pathogen of red clover (Trifolium pratense) that causes black patch disease in the plant.

In 1956, the first case of fungal contamination of red clover with Rhizoctonia leguminicola was reported which was mainly associated with a pasture disease called black patch, which derives its name from the appearance of affected areas in the field.

It has been suggested that slaframine is metabolized in the liver by a microsomal flavoprotein oxidase to the active metabolite consisting of a quaternary nitrogen separated from an acetate ester by two carbon atoms.

Slaframine poisoning or slobbers usually occur in a cooler and wetter spring or fall because these seasons are ideal for the growth of the fungus Rhizoctonia leguminicola.

The other clinical signs associated with the "slobbers syndrome" include salivation, lacrimation, feed refusal, bloating, stiff joints, diarrhea, and weight loss.

[1] Generally, diagnosis of slaframine toxicity is done by observation of clinical signs (salivation) in animals consuming legume forage, particularly red clover hay.