Gregg Hanzlicek, Kanas State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab director, says lead poisoning is the number-one poisoning diagnosed in the lab. Lead poisoning is found most often in young calves. It is difficult to identify and is often fatal. He discusses prevention and treatment challenges.
Source: High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal, July 13, 2016.
“The most common sources of lead toxicity in calves and cows are old batteries from trucks and cars that have been disposed of in the pasture. Calves either lick on the battery posts or lick on the plates in the battery. There are other sources such as linoleum or old caulking materials,” Hanzlicek said. “To prevent it, if you know that you have a site where things were disposed of in the pasture, it’s a good idea to fence the area to prevent animals from having access.”