High mortality due to accidental salinomycin intoxication in sheep

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Toxicology
• Sheep Husbandry
• Animal Pathology

Background:

• A sudden outbreak of high mortality in a sheep herd in Abhar, Iran, prompted an investigation.
• The herd consisted of 79 local sheep managed in a specific agricultural setting.

Observation:

• Sheep were fed a ration accidentally contaminated with 1500g of salinomycin (22388 ppm).
• Clinical signs included rapid death in 78 sheep and convulsive seizures in one surviving sheep.

Findings:

• Postmortem examinations revealed pulmonary congestion, edema, gastrointestinal hemorrhages, pale kidneys, and myocardial streaks.
• Histopathology showed extensive cardiac hemorrhages, cardiomyolysis, myocarditis, acute tubular necrosis in kidneys, and liver lesions including focal necrosis and cholangitis.

Implications:

• This case confirms the high toxicity of salinomycin in sheep when administered at excessive doses.
• Accurate feed formulation and prevention of accidental contamination are crucial for avoiding ionophore toxicosis in livestock.
• Understanding the pathological effects of salinomycin aids in diagnosing and managing similar intoxication cases in ruminants.