Copper deficiency in sheep with high liver iron accumulation

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Nutrition
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Enzootic ataxia, a neurological disorder in young animals, can cause significant economic losses in sheep farming.
• Copper deficiency is a known cause of enzootic ataxia, affecting animal health and productivity.
• Outbreaks require prompt diagnosis and effective management strategies to prevent herd-wide impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an outbreak of enzootic ataxia in sheep in northeastern Brazil.
• To investigate the role of copper, iron, and zinc deficiencies in the observed clinical condition.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of initial copper supplementation strategies.

Main Methods:

• Clinical examination of affected sheep.
• Collection of blood and liver biopsy samples for mineral analysis (Copper, Iron, Zinc).
• Assessment of dietary mineral content and response to supplementation.

Main Results:

• Five out of 56 sheep exhibited symptoms of enzootic ataxia, including ataxia and tremors.
• Low plasma and hepatic copper concentrations were detected in affected and healthy animals.
• High hepatic iron levels were observed, suggesting potential iron-copper antagonism.
• One animal remained symptomatic after four months, and herd copper levels did not improve post-supplementation.

Conclusions:

• Copper deficiency, possibly aggravated by iron antagonism, is implicated in this sheep herd's enzootic ataxia outbreak.
• Standard copper supplementation may be insufficient, necessitating further investigation and potentially higher or more sustained supplementation.
• Iron's role in copper metabolism warrants consideration in diagnosing and treating enzootic ataxia in sheep.