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14th March 2011
Copper – do you know if you are inadvertently feeding it?
There
is increasing concern about a number of trace element supplements
containing copper and which can be sold by anyone as they are classified
AVM-GSL (Authorised veterinary medicine – general sales list.)
There are now apparently several supplements available off the
shelf which contain levels of copper and have the potential to
lead to copper toxicity.
It is known that copper requirements and susceptibility to toxicity
vary enormously between sheep breeds with some continental breeds
particularly sensitive. The concern is that with no regulation
and no requirement for advice before these products can be purchased
and used by farmers, there is significant risk of inappropriate
use and hence an increased risk of copper toxicity on a flock scale.
There have already been cases of adverse reactions reported to
the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).
The message is to read labels very carefully and be very wary of
products containing copper unless there is a known copper deficiency
issue in the flock.
Press release courtesy of NSA. |
