Salinomycin poisoning in point-of-lay turkeys.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Toxicology
• Avian Pathology
• Animal Science

Background:

• Salinomycin is a widely used coccidiostat in poultry production.
• Feed contamination with salinomycin can lead to toxicosis in turkeys.
• Previous reports on salinomycin toxicity in turkeys are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical, biochemical, and histopathological findings of salinomycin poisoning in turkeys.
• To determine the relationship between enzyme elevations and muscle damage.
• To assess individual susceptibility to salinomycin toxicity.

Main Methods:

• A case study of a commercial flock experiencing mortality due to suspected feed contamination.
• Controlled feeding trials with varying doses of salinomycin.
• Clinical examination, gross necropsy, histopathology of muscle tissues.
• Plasma biochemical analysis for creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

Main Results:

• Mortality in 400 out of 700 turkeys over 7 days due to feed contaminated with 50 ppm salinomycin.
• No gross lesions observed; histopathology revealed myopathy in leg muscles 5-7 days post-ingestion.
• Marked elevations in plasma CK (500,000–2,500,000 IU/l) and AST (9000–25,000 IU/l) preceded muscle necrosis.
• Significant variation in individual susceptibility to salinomycin toxicity was noted.

Conclusions:

• Salinomycin poisoning in turkeys is characterized by high mortality and myopathy.
• Elevated plasma CK and AST are sensitive indicators of muscle damage preceding histopathological findings.
• Individual susceptibility plays a crucial role in the outcome of salinomycin toxicosis.