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Amanitin intoxication in two beef calves in California
Mok Mai Yee1, Leslie W Woods, Robert H Poppenga
1California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95617-1770, USA.
Summary
Sudden death in beef calves was caused by toxic mushrooms containing alpha-amanitin. Diagnosis requires testing for amanitin in cases of acute liver necrosis in cattle.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Sudden death in young beef calves can have various causes.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for herd health management.
Observation:
- Two calves from different herds died suddenly with no preceding symptoms.
- Histopathology revealed acute panlobular hepatic necrosis in both animals.
Findings:
- Calf A showed copper and selenium deficiencies; Calf B had oxalate nephrosis, selenium, and zinc deficiencies.
- Alpha-amanitin, a toxin from poisonous mushrooms, was detected in tissues and fluids of both calves.
- The cause of death was identified as amanitin toxicosis due to mushroom ingestion.
Implications:
- This study highlights the risk of amanitin toxicosis in cattle from consuming toxic mushrooms.
- Veterinary diagnostic laboratories should consider amanitin testing in cases of unexplained hepatic necrosis and sudden death in cattle.
- Identifying mushroom-induced poisoning is vital for preventing further livestock losses.
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