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Published on: April 18, 2020
Acute anhydrous ammonia intoxication in cattle.
Scott D Fitzgerald1, Daniel L Grooms, M A Scott
1Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA.
Summary
Anhydrous ammonia (AA) exposure caused significant cattle mortality after a storage tank leak. Cattle exhibited blindness, respiratory distress, and severe lesions, highlighting the acute toxicity of AA.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Toxicology
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Anhydrous ammonia (AA) is a common occupational hazard for farmers and fertilizer applicators.
- Limited data exists on animal exposure to AA, particularly in large-scale incidents.
- On-farm storage of AA presents risks, including accidental release and potential misuse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical signs, gross, and microscopic lesions in cattle following accidental anhydrous ammonia exposure.
- To document the mortality and morbidity associated with a large-scale AA leak in a feedlot setting.
- To emphasize the acute toxic effects of AA on cattle and the potential for future incidents.
Main Methods:
- A case study approach was used to investigate an accidental AA leak at a feedlot.
- Clinical observations and diagnostic evaluations were performed on affected cattle.
- Necropsy and histopathological examinations were conducted on deceased and live-submitted cattle.
Main Results:
- A liquid AA storage tank rupture led to significant gas leakage, resulting in 64 cattle deaths out of 260.
- Clinical signs included blindness, excessive salivation, anorexia, respiratory distress, and recumbency.
- Gross lesions featured corneal ulcers, fibrinonecrotizing rhinitis, nasal sinus hemorrhages, and bronchopneumonia. Microscopic lesions showed degeneration and necrosis of respiratory epithelium.
Conclusions:
- Accidental anhydrous ammonia release can cause severe acute intoxication and high mortality in cattle.
- The observed lesions provide insight into the pathophysiology of AA toxicity in bovines.
- Increased on-farm AA storage and accessibility necessitate heightened awareness and preventative measures against such occupational and environmental health risks.
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