ARCHIVE FILE
This article was published in 1951
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INSTITUTE OF INSPECTORS OF STOCK OF N.S.W. YEAR BOOK.
Arsenical Poisoning in Sheep
C. CHARLES, B.V.Sc., Inspector of Stock, Forbes
Arsenical poisoning in sheep is not uncommon but this case is considered to be worth reporting; firstly because of the length of time the arsenic had been present, and secondly because of the period which elapsed before the owner sought advice on the matter.
Briefly, the history was that there was one particular paddock on this property wherein a few sheep had died every time a mob was depastured on it, and had done so for at least two years. With the exception of an odd sheep, which died a few hours after removal from the paddock, deaths ceased when the sheep were shifted, and only recurred when they were put back in the paddock, deaths commencing after about 48 hours.
On 31st August, 1950, the owner asked for assistance, and stated that four sheep had died the previous night. On arrival at the property it was found that the carcases had been skinned. Despite this, and the fact that death had occurred some 16 hours previously, decomposition was not advanced. Examination showed the presence of diarrhoea, and there was a gastro-enteritis present. A feature of all four carcases was the presence of a little dirt on the lower lip, which was regarded as significant as it had been seen in previous cases.
The pastures were long, and consisted of a mixture of Wimmera Rye, Danthonia spp., Stipa spp., Erodium and Trefoil. No poisonous weeds could be discovered.
In this paddock there had been an old shed which had been demolished several years before. The owner was asked if there had ever been any arsenic in it, and he replied that they had mixed grasshopper bait there some twelve years previously, but that no arsenic was left there. Inspection of the shed site showed several areas of soil which were devoid of plant life, and which showed evidence of having been licked. A sample of this soil was taken for analysis. Next was found an old Fowler jar having a mouth 3½ inches in diameter, and containing earth with some white powder mixed with it. This earth had been licked and shaped to conform to the walls of the jar. Several pieces of cardboard with white powder on them were also found. The soil sample, jar and contents, and cardboard were submitted for analysis; and the report received stated that all three specimens contained a considerable quantity of arsenic.
The owner fenced off the shed site, and since then has run sheep in the paddock without losses occurring. The average landholder shows an almost unbelievable carelessness when it comes to handling, and storing, poisonous materials, and it is remarkable that greater losses do not occur from time to time. Arsenic is possibly the commonest cause of death, no doubt because it is virtually indestructible. One case is recalled in which a packet of arsenical dip had been inaccessible to sheep for 18 years, and then fortuitously became available to them; resulting in the loss of 151 in 12 hours.