Wildlife and Domestic Animal Issues

Domestic Animal issues

Even domestic animals can be impacted by the presence of high levels of selenium in the environment. In horses, selenium contamination has caused languor, dermatitis, GI disturbances, loss of hooves and hair, and erosion of joints and long bones. In cows, exposure to high levels of selenium has been associated with reproductive failures. In sheep, high levels of selenium have reduced the health of the flock and increased the death rate.

"Blind staggers" in livestock caused by ingesting plants containing high levels of selenium is characterized by impaired vision, aimless wandering in circles, reduced food and water consumption and paralysis.

Debilitating hoof deformities, as shown in the photo, are a characteristic symptom of selenium poisoning in domestic animals. (Photo courtesy of Cornell University Department of Animal Sciences.)