Copper deficiency in cattle, sheep and horses caused by excess molybdenum from fly ash: a case report
Ladefoged, O.; Stürup, S.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology 37(1): 63-65
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-6296 PMID: 7709597 Document Number: 446757
A case of copper deficiency or molybdenum toxicosis in cattle, sheep and horses after heavy pollution of a pasture with fly ash (from a power station) is described. If the pasture had not been grazed by cattle and sheep as well as the horses, it would have been difficult to identify the reason for the intoxication in the horses. It is argued that molybdenum intoxication, although seldom seen in nonruminants, was the cause of the deaths of the horses. It is suggested that the bioavailability of molybdenum is high and therefore can cause equine intoxication.