Accidental urea poisoning in cattle

Abstract

This paper presents a case report on urea poisoning in cattle that occurred due to accidental feeding of fertilizer urea to five cattle at Nesikha village, Mewang gewog (block), under Thimphu Dzongkhag (district) where all five animals died. Due to lack of facilities and also the kits in the field, detailed lab tests could not be conducted except post-mortem examination and histopathology. The diagnosis was made mainly based on the history of the owner. In the animal husbandry practices in Bhutan, urea is used as feed supplement along with the paddy straw after treatment with the certain formulation. Further, the urea is also used in the form of fertilizer for dressing the pasture. In addition, fertilizer urea is also used commonly in agricultural activities including horticulture hence, there is every chance of such accidental poisoning in animals. This case report is aimed at creating awareness to the animal health workers and also guide to attempt treatment in such poisonings in animals.