Copper overdosage in sheep

Authors: Sommerville GF, Mason JB
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 33, Issue 6, pp 98-99, Jun 1985
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Copper, Trace elements, Poisoning - chemical, Toxicology
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: Copper deficiency of ruminants in New Zealand is recognized in many areas. The means of correcting it are available but the problem is to be able to assess when therapy is required. Overdosage is wasteful and the results may be disastrous. Sheep, because of their less efficient excretory mechanism are more vulnerable than cattle to the effects of copper overdosage. The toxic effects of excessive copper intake are potentiated by stress. The following clinical report describes the effects of copper overdosage and stress in a mob of sheep. A mob of 10.000 ewe hoggets, half Romneys and half Perendales were injected with 1ml calcium copper edetate (Coprin -Glaxo Animal Health N.Z.) (equivalent to 50 mg elemental copper) on 6 July 1984. Two hoggets died on 7 July, 18 on the 8th, 12 on the 9th and over a week a total of 81 were found dead. Approximately 1000 were reported as being sick. By 20 July (two weeks later) all the survivors had recovered. Post-mortem examination of some of the dead animals showed typical signs of acute copper poisoning. Features noted were: monumental discolouration and haemorrhage…

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