Causes: 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.

Effects: Peripheral neuropathy causes ataxia and incoordination, stunting, depression and lameness.

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.

Accidental overdose in feed or water.

Peripheral neuropathy causes ataxia and incoordination, stunting, depression and lameness.

A small body weight and empty digestive tract are evident.

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.

The correct level of the drug in feed or water will prevent clinical signs.

Fresh feed or water will stop the signs.

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