Considerations for veterinary practitioners involved in feed-related toxicology cases

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to identify key considerations for production animal veterinarians involved in legal cases regarding feed-related errors. Veterinarians are trained in the science of management and production, but are often ill-prepared for advising clients on potential litigation that may result when large monetary losses are incurred. The availability of modern analytical equipment and technology can provide practitioners with more information to understand the interactions of toxins with production medicine. This information may further elucidate the source of potential losses. The following considerations were derived from experiences at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory when involved in several legal cases. Since it is likely that production veterinarians will be involved in a legal case at some point in their career, this paper is intended to help practitioners to be better prepared for cases involving feed-related toxicology cases.