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Delayed neuropathy in pigs induced by isofenphos
I C Shaw1, R M Parker, S Porter
1Biochemistry Department, Central Veterinary Laboratory, Addlestone, Surrey.
The Veterinary Record
|January 28, 1995
Summary
An outbreak of ataxia in over 700 pigs was linked to contaminated feed containing the organophosphorus pesticide isofenphos. This pesticide, not approved in the UK, caused delayed neuropathy and ataxia in the affected animals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary toxicology
- Animal neurology
- Food safety
Background:
- An outbreak of ataxia affected over 700 pigs in Northern England in 1990.
- The disorder was epidemiologically linked to feed from a specific supplier, with wheat screenings identified as a common component.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of the ataxia outbreak in pigs.
- To identify the contaminant responsible for the neurological disorder.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological investigation of feed consumption and disease occurrence.
- Chemical analysis of feed components to identify contaminants.
- Review of pesticide usage and toxicology data.
Main Results:
- The feed was found to contain the organophosphorus pesticide isofenphos.
- Isofenphos was not approved for use in the UK but was imported from France.
- Wheat screenings stored in a contaminated warehouse were the source of isofenphos contamination.
Conclusions:
- The pig ataxia outbreak was caused by isofenphos contamination in imported wheat screenings.
- Isofenphos exposure led to delayed neuropathy and ataxia in pigs.
- Regulatory oversight and supply chain management are critical for preventing pesticide contamination in animal feed.