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Coumafuryl (Fumarin) toxicity in chicks
L L Munger1, J J Su, H J Barnes
1Rollins Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Raleigh, North Carolina 27605.
Avian Diseases
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Coumafuryl (Fumarin) poisoning caused 100% mortality in young chickens. The anticoagulant was traced to contaminated wood-straw mats used in chick boxes, leading to severe internal hemorrhaging.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Toxicology
- Avian Pathology
Background:
- Rodenticides are common household chemicals.
- Accidental exposure can occur in various animal species.
- Young animals may be more susceptible to toxic insults.
Observation:
- A flock of chickens less than one week old experienced 100% mortality.
- Necropsy revealed significant internal hemorrhaging and unclotted blood.
- Chicks' crops and gizzards were full of feed.
Findings:
- Chemical analysis detected 340 ppm of coumafuryl (Fumarin) in crop and gizzard contents.
- The source of coumafuryl toxicity was identified as contaminated wood-straw mats in chick transport boxes.
- Histological examination confirmed congestion and hemorrhage consistent with anticoagulant poisoning.
Implications:
- This case highlights the risk of anticoagulant rodenticides to non-target species, particularly young poultry.
- Proper sourcing and inspection of animal housing materials are critical to prevent accidental poisoning.
- Veterinarians and poultry producers should consider coumafuryl toxicity in cases of sudden, unexplained mass mortality in young chickens.