Warning after fly-tipped batteries cause cattle poisoning
© FSS Livestock farmers in Scotland have been alerted to the dangers of lead poisoning as more animals are turned out for the grazing season.
More than 400 animals have been restricted from the food chain due to lead poisoning since 2019, Food Standards Scotland (FSS) said.
The public health body has launched a campaign asking farmers to check fields regularly for sources of the highly toxic metal, which can cause slow or stunted growth, blindness, infertility, birth defects and death of livestock.
Lead batteries, old paint, bonfire ash and fly-tipping are the primary causes of lead poisonings, the FSS said.
Devastating impact
Stuart McAdam, head of incidents at FSS, said that lead poisonings can have a devastating impact and can put consumers at risk.
“Not only are the health impacts on livestock distressing, but there are financial implications such as veterinary fees, carcass disposal and loss of market value,” said Mr McAdam.
“Contaminated meat, offal and milk containing lead at levels above legal limits is unsafe and illegal to sell. In addition, there is a minimum 16-week withdrawal period, which can cause delays across supply chain and incur costs for testing.”
Prevention
Mr McAdam said farmers’ best defence is prevention, so that means checking fields regularly for sources of lead and removing them before inquisitive livestock arrive.
“We know farmers are serious about the health and welfare of the animals in their care, but because incidents of lead poisoning often peaks in spring when cattle are put out to pasture, we’re relaunching our on-farm incident prevention campaign.”
Case study: Steven Barron, Findowrie Farm, Angus
Livestock farmer Steven Barron knows first-hand how distressing on-farm lead poisoning incidents can be after two batteries were fly-tipped in his field.
“It happened during the first lockdown and we were down to our last seven calves to be born. I remember enjoying watching the rest out in the field as it was a beautiful, sunny day, but the next day I was shocked to find some of the cattle had died.”
In total, Mr Barron lost eight animals due to lead poisoning.
“I’m really cautious about using batteries now for electric fences. When using them, we ensure the battery and fencer are covered or located out of reach of cattle.
“Disposal of old batteries is also very important and we ensure there are no redundant batteries left on our farm.
“I wouldn’t want anyone else to experience what we did and I urge all farmers to familiarise themselves with the advice and campaign that FSS is running.”