Acute lead poisoning in bovines associated with environmental pollution and its public health significance

Environmental lead pollution costed the lives of dairy cattle in Punjab, India and contaminated fodder due to industrial pollution was the source of poisoning. Affected animals exhibited clinical signs characterized by bellowing, violent movements, staggering gait, abdominal colic, salivation, head pressing and blindness. High blood lead concentration (2–15 times of normal values) detected in sick animals confirmed the lead toxicosis. The lead levels in tissues were: Liver 16.5–87.2 ppm, Kidney 68.0–107.6 ppm, Brain 19.6–59.2 ppm, Heart 22–60 ppm and Bones 14–27.4 ppm. Large amount of lead levels in rumen and rumen contents were suggestive of fresh exposure. The lead concentration in fodder fed to affected animals was quite high (186–221 mg/kg). The sick animals were successfully treated. Alarmingly high blood lead levels in animal attendants also indicated lead exposure. The levels were 3–6 times higher than the recommended safe concentration in adults. It is suggested that health status of livestock reared in close proximity of these factories and population at high risk should be assessed periodically to determine the level of environmental lead contamination and initiate preventive measures.