Case report

Toxicosis in cattle caused by a discontinued organophosphorus insecticide (fonofos)

Authors

  • Ellen B. Wiedner Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
  • Lawrence A. Horstman Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
  • Stephen B. Hooser Department of Veterinary Pathobiology and Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
  • Michel Levy Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol39no1p24-28

Keywords:

case reports, clinical aspects, clinical examination, insecticides, medical treatment, organophosphorus insecticides, poisoning, steers

Abstract

Two crossbred cattle were presented to a veterinary teaching hospital in December 2001 with muscarinic, nicotinic and central nervous system signs consistent with severe organophosphorus (OP) insecticide toxicity. Despite treatment, neither animal survived. Over the course of 72 hours, 34 cattle died acutely. A subsequent veterinarian-led visit to the farm identified a rusted, leaking corn planter containing a gray crumbling material, situated near where the cattle were fed. This substance was later identified as fonofos, an agricultural insecticide and an OP that was voluntarily removed from the marketplace by the manufacturer in 1998.

Author Biography

Ellen B. Wiedner, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907

Dr. Wiedner's current address is the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation, Polk
City, FL 33868

Cover image of Volume 39, No.1 of the Bovine Practitioner: Dr. Jim Jarrett, Mrs. Margaret Jarrett and grandson, Adam, at Easter 2004

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Published

2005-02-01

How to Cite

Wiedner, E. B., Horstman, L. A., Hooser, S. B., & Levy, M. (2005). Case report: Toxicosis in cattle caused by a discontinued organophosphorus insecticide (fonofos). The Bovine Practitioner, 39(1), 24–28. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol39no1p24-28

Issue

Vol. 39, No. 1 (2005 February)

Section

Articles