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Copper toxicity in ruminants: air pollution as a possible cause
B Gummow1, C J Botha, A T Basson
1Veterinary Research Institute, Onderstepoort.
The Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Chronic copper poisoning caused cattle deaths in South Africa, linked to air pollution from a copper smelter. Zinc and sulfur licks protected cattle from toxic copper levels in grazing areas.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary toxicology
- Environmental contamination
- Wildlife health
Background:
- Chronic copper poisoning in cattle was confirmed on a farm in north-eastern Transvaal.
- This represents the first documented case of chronic copper intoxication in cattle within southern Africa.
- The poisoning was suspected to originate from environmental copper contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of cattle deaths due to suspected chronic copper poisoning.
- To identify the source of copper contamination affecting livestock and wildlife.
- To evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic treatments in mitigating copper toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Pathological examination of deceased cattle.
- Liver and kidney analyses for copper levels.
- Epidemiological investigation to trace the source of contamination.
- Comparative analysis of liver copper levels in wildlife (buffalo, impala) within and outside the affected area.
Main Results:
- Confirmation of chronic copper poisoning as the cause of cattle mortality.
- Identification of air pollution from a nearby copper smelting unit as the likely source of copper.
- Wildlife in proximity to the suspected pollution source exhibited elevated liver copper concentrations.
- Prophylactic licks containing zinc sulphate and sulphur demonstrated protective effects in cattle.
Conclusions:
- Airborne copper pollution from smelting operations can cause chronic copper poisoning in cattle.
- This environmental hazard impacts not only domestic livestock but also adjacent wildlife populations.
- Supplementation with zinc sulphate and sulphur in licks is an effective strategy for protecting cattle against copper toxicosis from contaminated environments.