A survey of blood lead concentrations in horses in the north Idaho lead/silver belt area
Burrows, G.E.; Sharp, J.W.; Root, R.G.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology 23(5): 328-330
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-6296 PMID: 7292958 Document Number: 182635
Because of persistent reports of heavy metal intoxication problems in the lead/silver mining region of North Idaho, a survey of blood lead concentrations in horses in the area was carried out in the summer of 1972. Of 118 horses and ponies surveyed, 11 (9%) had blood lead concentrations of 0.35 ppm or more, although clinical signs of lead poisoning were not observed in any of the horses. The highest lead values found were 0.7 ppm in two horses, one of which had been treated for lead poisoning the previous year. There was no apparent correlation between distance from the lead/zinc smelter, the most obvious source of lead contamination, and blood lead concentrations. This might have been due to variations in husbandry practices, including the feeding of hay imported from other regions.