Organic arsenical toxicity occurs worldwide, where organic arsenical feed additives are used. Phenylarsonic acids are commonly added to feed as growth promotants, para-ureidobenzenearsonic acid and dimetridazole are used to prevent and control protozoal diseases. Accidental overdose or in dehydrated birds causes toxicity. It can affect all species of poultry of all ages.
- Causes of Organic arsenical toxicity >
- Effects of Organic arsenical toxicity >
- Diagnosis of Organic arsenical toxicity >
- Treatment & Control of Organic arsenical toxicity >
Causes of Organic arsenical toxicity
Organic arsenicals are common growth promotants. All species of bird of all ages are susceptible to this acute disease. The agents involved in the aetiology are Phenylarsonic acids (or 3-nitro, 4-hydroxy Phenylarsonic acid) which are commonly added to improved feed efficiency. Para-ureidobenzenearsonic acid) and dimetridazole are used for prevention and control of various protozoal diseases.
Mode of transmission
Accidental overdose in feed or water.
Effects of Organic arsenical toxicity
Peripheral neuropathy causes ataxia and incoordination, stunting, depression and lameness.
Postmortem lesions
A small body weight and empty digestive tract are evident.
Diagnosis of Organic arsenical toxicity
Clinical signs following new feed shipment or initiation of drug treatment in the water, indicate organic arsenical toxicity.
Microscopically, peripheral nerves may show loss of myelin, fragmentation of axons and proliferation of neurilemmal cells.
Diagnosis is by feed analysis. It simulates Newcastle disease, MD, AE and ionophore toxicity.
Treatment & Control of Organic arsenical toxicity
Prevention
The correct level of the drug in feed or water will prevent clinical signs.
Treatment
Fresh feed or water will stop the signs.
