Chemical Poisoning

ARSENIC poisoning in livestock may be caused by arsenic trioxide (white arsenic), paris green, sodium arsenite, and sodium arsenate. Arsenic has been a common cause of accidental and criminal poisoning of animals because it often is used to kill insects, parasites, weeds, and rodents and as a tonic for animals. Arsenic compounds usually are palatable to animals, especially when they are hungry for salt. Many cattle and sheep have died from eating arsenictreated plants, grasshopper bait, or discarded arsenic residues. The toxic dose of arsenic depends on the species of animals, the type of arsenical compound, its physical state, and the method of administration.