Suspected levamisole intoxication in calves

CASE HISTORY: A group of 32 Friesian and four Hereford calves, 3–4 months old with body weights between 100–120?kg, were purchased from a weaner sale. On arrival at the property the Hereford calves were treated with a combination anthelmintic containing 2?g/L abamectin and 80?g/L levamisole hydrochloride. Shortly afterwards they developed tremors and frothing from the mouth, and two died overnight. The Friesian calves were treated with the same anthelmintic on the following day, when some showed hypersalivation and frothing from the mouth.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: Examination of the three most severely affected Friesian calves revealed severe nicotinic-type symptoms including hypersalivation, frothing from the mouth, muscle tremors, recumbency, rapid respiration, hyperaesthesia, and central nervous system depression. Other calves showed mild to moderate signs of intoxication including restlessness, tail switching, salivation, tremors, frequent defaecation, mild colic and jaw chomping. Two calves died shortly afterwards. An adverse drug event investigation revealed that the formulation and quality of the anthelmintic was within the correct specification, and that the drench gun was functioning correctly.

DIAGNOSIS: Suspected levamisole intoxication due to a combination of possible overdosing, dehydration, and stress caused by transportation and prolonged yarding.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Susceptibility to levamisole toxicity in New Zealand calves can be increased if factors like dehydration or stress are present. Levamisole has a narrow margin of safety, and overdosing in calves can easily occur if the dose rate is not based on their actual weight or health status.     

氟吡呋喃酮与8种杀虫剂复配对温室白粉虱的联合毒力

为了筛选出对温室白粉虱高效的农药复配组合,本试验选择9种杀虫单剂对田间采集的温室白粉虱进行了毒力测定,并利用共毒因子和共毒系数对氟吡呋喃酮与8种杀虫剂复配组合的联合毒力进行评价,同时对筛选出的药剂进行田间药效试验。结果表明：杀虫单剂毒力测定中,LC₅₀最低的为鱼藤酮,最高的为螺虫乙酯,48 h LC₅₀分别为0.43μg/mL和78.59μg/mL;毒力大小顺序为鱼藤酮>氟啶虫胺腈>除虫菊素>苦参·印楝素>d-柠檬烯>氟吡呋喃酮>啶虫脒>高效氯氰菊酯>螺虫乙酯。共毒系数大于120的复配组合为氟吡呋喃酮与d-柠檬烯5∶1、氟吡呋喃酮与苦参·印楝素1∶2和1∶5,共毒系数分别为268.31、247.80和241.46,LC₅₀分别为5.76、4.51μg/mL和4.34μg/mL。氟吡呋喃酮与d-柠檬烯5∶1复配增效作用明显,为最佳配比。田间药效试验表明,10 d后,17%氟吡呋喃酮可溶液剂与1%苦参·印楝素乳油、5%d-柠檬烯可溶液剂复配对温室白粉虱的防效达到83.5%～83...     

Acute oral toxicity of zinc phosphide: an assessment for wild house mice (Mus musculus)

Irregular plagues of house mice, Mus musculus, incur major economic impacts on agricultural production in Australia. The efficacy of zinc phosphide (ZnP), the only registered broadacre control agent for mice, is reported as increasingly variable. Have mice become less sensitive over time or are they taking a sub-lethal dose and developing aversion? In this laboratory study, the sensitivity of mice (wild caught; outbred laboratory strain) was assessed using oral gavage of a range of ZnP concentrations. The estimated LD₅₀ values (72–79 mg ZnP/kg body weight) were similar for each mouse group but are significantly higher than previously reported. The willingness of mice to consume ZnP-coated grains was determined. ZnP-coated grains (50 g ZnP/kg grain) presented in the absence of alternative food were consumed and 94% of wild mice died. Mice provided with alternative food and ZnP-coated wheat grains (either 25 or 50 g ZnP/kg grain) consumed toxic and non-toxic grains, and mortality was lower (33–55%). If a sublethal amount of ZnP-coated grain was consumed, aversion occurred, mostly when alternative food was present. The sensitivity of wild house mice to ZnP in Australia is significantly lower than previously assumed. Under laboratory conditions, ZnP-coated grains coated with a new higher dose (50 g ZnP/kg grain) were readily consumed. Consumption of toxic grain occurred when alternative food was available but was decreased. Our unambiguous findings for house mice indicate a re-assessment of the ZnP loading for baits used for control of many rodents around the world may be warranted.