A retrospective study of lead poisoning in cattle
Blakley, B.R.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology 26(6): 505-507
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-6296 PMID: 6516208 Document Number: 227294
Information on 294 cases of bovine lead poisoning that occurred during the 15-year period 1968-1982 was collected from the toxicology laboratory records at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Lead poisoning was seen more often in younger cattle, with 51.9% of the cases reported in animals aged six months or less. A significant seasonal incidence was seen, with 60.9% of the cases occurring May-August. Lead poisoning was more common in dairy breeds than in beef breeds. The relative rates in the dairy and beef breeds per 1000 cattle were 0.022 and 0.0065, respectively. No specific breed susceptibility was associated with any of the major dairy or beef breeds. Sex-related differences for lead poisoning were not seen. The most suitable biological samples used to confirm lead poisoning were blood, kidney and liver. These samples produced the most reliable results, with rumen and faecal samples exhibiting a high degree of variability.