Two calves, each a month month old, were killed by lead poisoning earlier this year, vets at Kilkenny regional veterinary laboratory (RVL) found.

In this case, two calves were brought to Kilkenny RVL showing neurological signs, blindness and convulsions. On further examination, there were a number of haemorrhages observed and high lead concentrations found in liver and kidneys.

The source of the lead was believed to be old paint on a wooden barrier. The wood has been used in a roof approximately 50 years ago and it was repurposed as a kick barrier.

Toxic

Lead is highly toxic to animals.

Calves can have an increased risk of lead toxicity due to their curious nature and naivety.

The veterinary advice to the farmer was to remove the timber from the shed.

The case was profiled in an RVL reports, the objective of which is to “provide feedback to veterinary practitioners on the pattern of disease syndromes at this time of the year by describing common and highlighting unusual cases”.