The cure for 'gastro' may be as simple as a glass of cordial.

Researchers at Charles Sturt University (CSU) have found that raspberry juice and raspberry juice cordial can be used to kill many of the bacteria known to cause gastroenteritis.

Dr Heather Cavanagh, a lecturer in biomedical sciences on CSU's Wagga Wagga Campus, is currently working on evaluation of a traditional folk remedy believed to be used extensively in the Riverina area of NSW, coastal Queensland and the Northern Territory.

"We have been told that if Riverina calves suddenly develop diarrhoea, local farmers don't call the vet, they simply add a couple of litres of raspberry cordial to their drinking trough," Dr Cavanagh said.

"We're also told that residents along the Queensland coast regularly indulge in this habit themselves and willingly pass on their knowledge to holiday-makers for a 'problem-free' holiday," she added.

Even commercial parrot and finch breeders and chicken factories add the cordial to the birds' drinking water in the belief that it prevents gastroenteritis and salmonella infection, according to Dr Cavanagh.

Dr Cavanagh said the raspberry cordial drink must comprise at least 25 per cent pure raspberry juice.

However, the CSU study has not yet evaluated the effect of the raspberry juice cordial in animals or in people. Dr Cavanagh and her colleague, Dr Jenny Wilkinson, are currently identifying the active ingredient in the raspberry juice.

Dr Cavanagh is keen to hear from local farmers who have used the cordial to prevent gastroenteritis in their animals and may be contacted on (02) 6933 2501 or email hcavanagh@csu.edu.au

"As the foremost anecdotal use of this cordial is by cattle, pig and chicken farmers and cage bird breeders, it would appear Australia has been harbouring a secret agricultural weapon that may now be utilised by all," she said.