US EPA

1350131 

Journal Article 

Arsenic poisoning of a beef cattle herd 

Mcclanahan, S; Arnes, T; Murphy, M 

2000 

21 

3 

24-27 

WOS:000087190100022 

Arsenic poisoning must still be considered as a cause of sudden death in cattle. Historically; bovine arsenic poisoning has been attributed to ingestion of arsenic from herbicides, medicines, or insecticides. However source of arsenic appears to be emerging err an additional cause of arsenic poisoning in cattle. The source is ash from copper-chromiun-arsenate-treated lumber. The clinical signs associated with arsenic poisoning include intense abdominal pain, diarrhea staggering, trembling, weakness, salivatoin and sudden death. Gross necropsy findings generally abomasal ulcers and edema, congestion, and necrosis of the gastrointestinal tract. Although in peracute arsenic poisoning, there may be very few, gross lesions found on necropsy: Analysis of the liver or kidney for metals is essential in diagnosing arsenic poisioning. Treatment of arsenic poisoning is generally unrewarding and impractical. Client education on the proper disposal of preservative treated wood is important and essential in the prevention of this poisioning. In addition, meat and milk from cattle that have ingested toxic amounts of arsenic must be considered unfit for human consumption.