Salmonellosis in sheep and zinc oxide dosing - a reply from Massey University

Authors: Bruere AN, West DM
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 34, Issue 3, pp 38, Mar 1986
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Bacterial, Inflammation, Integument/skin/wool/hair/fur/feather, Disease/defect, Mycotoxicosis, Liver/hepatic disease, Fungal/yeast, Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Notifiable organisms/exotic disease, Photosensitivity, Toxicology, Infectious disease, Trace elements, Minerals/elememts, Zoonosis, Public health
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: We are surprised that Messrs Smith and Towers misinterpreted our letter on salmonellosis in ram hoggets following prophylactic zinc dosing as a criticism of their actions or of their research and publication record. In fact, they echo our caution in stating that the results of drenching sheep with a fortnight`s accumulated dose of zinc oxide have been presented and discussed as preliminary and that “no final recommendations will be made until optional dose rates and safety factors have been assessed.” The reality of the situation that we investigated was that fortnightly dosing had been recommended to the farmer, yet he appeared unaware of the toxic nature of zinc oxide and we expressed our concern about that situation. In the Manawatu district, and we know of other areas around the country, farmers are being routinely advised to use the fortnight`s accumulated dose. We stand by our statement “That until more is known about the toxicity of zinc oxide and its possible association with salmonellosis, the recommendation of giving a fortnight`s accumulated dose of zinc oxide should be undertaken with caution.” …

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