LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) has quarantined four farms in Barry, Cheboygan, Tuscola, and Marquette counties due to toxic levels of lead in cattle.  Quarantined farms may not allow any exposed animals to leave the farm or go to slaughter.
 
"Lead toxicity in livestock is a food safety and public health concern that has the potential to impact human health, as a portion of the metal consumed may accumulate in the muscle or pass through the affected animal's milk to offspring and humans.  We normally document one to two cases of lead toxicity per year, but this year MDA veterinarians have documented 34 animals on four farms," said MDA Toxicologist Dr. John Buchweitz.  "None of the cases involve milk production or supply."
 
Cattle on three of the four farms may have had access to abandoned lead-acid batteries, which are used in automobiles, boats, and All Terrain Vehicles.  Severe lead poisoning is found more often in young farm animals as they are more curious about their environment. The signs of illness may include blindness, excessive drooling, muscle tremors and twitching of eyelids, teeth gnashing, and convulsions.
 
Less severe lead poisoning, usually seen in sheep or older cattle, may appear as anorexia, colic, dullness, and temporary constipation, often followed by diarrhea, blindness, head pressing, and stumbling.
 
"Lead can enter the blood and soft tissues when livestock lick or chew on old batteries, lead pipes, and lead paint," Buchweitz said.  "The toxin can eventually redistribute to the bone, muscle, milk, and internal organs.  If damage is widespread, particularly to the nervous system, the animal may not recover."
 
The length of time the animals are under quarantine varies.  Some are released within a few months and other quarantines may go on for years, depending on how soon the lead levels drop below the accepted standard.  Extensive treatment and testing under the supervision of a veterinarian can be long-term and expensive. For example, in May, MDA released an Upper Peninsula Marquette County farm's three-year quarantine when the last affected cow cleared.  Milk from affected cattle cannot be consumed and must be disposed of properly.
 
Lead batteries are accepted for recycling at a number of Michigan stores and car repair facilities that sell lead-acid batteries. Facility owners may charge for recycling batteries, so it is best to call before drop-off.  To find a battery drop-off site visit: www.ggg3.org/programs_battery_recycling.htm.
 
For more information on lead toxicity in animals visit the Merck Veterinary Manual at: www.merckvetmanual.com( http://www.merckvetmanual.com/).
 
For information on animal health, visit MDA's Animal Industry Division at: www.michigan.gov/mda.

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