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[A case of selenium poisoning in piglets].
E J van der Molen1, H van Beek, A J Baars
1Centraal Diergeneeskundig Instituut, Afd. Bedrijfsdiergeneeskunde en Pathologie, Lelystad.
Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde
|May 15, 1988
Summary
Acute paralysis in piglets was caused by selenium poisoning from contaminated feed due to human error. This highlights the critical need for feed quality control in animal husbandry to prevent toxic exposures.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Toxicology
- Animal Nutrition
Context:
- Acute paralysis outbreaks occurred in young pigs on a commercial breeding farm.
- Clinical signs included neurological deficits in suckling and weaner piglets.
Purpose:
- To investigate the cause of acute paralysis in piglets.
- To identify the etiological agent and its source through pathological and toxicological examinations.
Summary:
- Pathomorphological examination of affected pigs revealed central nervous system lesions consistent with selenium poisoning.
- Chemical-toxicological analysis confirmed elevated selenium levels in organs and tissues.
- The source of selenium toxicity was traced to a specific feed preparation containing excessive selenium due to human error.
Impact:
- Identifies feed contamination as a critical risk factor for selenium poisoning in swine.
- Emphasizes the importance of stringent quality control in animal feed production.
- Provides a case study for diagnosing and preventing selenium toxicosis in livestock.