162 cases of aldicarb intoxication in Georgia domestic animals from 1988-1998

A 10-y retrospective study of aldicarb intoxication in domestic animals from 1988 to 1998 is provided from animals submitted to the University of Georgia Veterinary Diagnostic and Investigational Laboratory. Within the period examined, 162 separate cases were confirmed and 18 additional cases were suspected based on bioassay but could not be confirmed. Some cases involving as many as 15 affected animals. Dogs were most often involved, but cats, horses, cattle and goats were also poisoned. Most intoxications appeared intentional or malicious. "Baits" including frankfurters, ham or ground beef were consistently found in stomach contents. The restriction of aldicarb to an agricultural soil application limits accidental exposure to domestic animals. Its use is regulated through license in Georgia as a systemic insecticide for pecan trees, peanuts and cotton. Unfortunately, aldicarb seems favored as a malicious poison, possibly due to its quick lethality.