FOOD STANDARDS Scotland has warned farmers to take precautions against lead poisoning in their livestock.

Such incidents increase in the spring, said FSS, as animals are turned out to pasture – particularly young curious ones – and come into contact with lead deposits from sources including old machinery, rubbish, vehicle batteries, bonfire ash, electric fencing or lead-based paint.

In the last two years, approximately 460 animals in Scotland have been affected by lead poisoning, with 38 dying as a result. Animals which have been exposed to lead can show high levels of poisoning in their meat, offal and milk, which can be above the safe limits laid down in food law, making them illegal for use in the food chain.

As well as not being able to sell the affected animal’s produce, farmers can also face the costs involved in veterinary fees, stunted animal growth and loss of market value.

In partnership with Scottish Agricultural College Consulting Vet Services, the Animal Plant and Health Agency and the Scottish Government, FSS is now distributing leaflets to farmers to raise awareness of the causes and symptoms of lead poisoning.

FSS Incidents Unit head, Ron McNaughton, said: “Keeping the number of products containing lead down to a minimum can significantly reduce the risk of lead poisoning on farms.

“Most farmers will do this as a matter of course, but there are a minority of farms where rubbish such as old car batteries, old machinery and redundant material is allowed to accumulate rather than being disposed of and this can lead to contamination of the soil.

“Farm animals including cattle, pigs and sheep are inquisitive creatures and will investigate anything unusual. If farmers suspect lead poisoning they should stop access to the affected area and remove the cause as soon as it has been identified. They should remove the livestock from the area and seek veterinary advice.”

NFUS president Andrew McCornick commented: “Incidents of lead poisoning can have a devastating effect on a farm. SRUC veterinary services identified eight incidents of lead poisoning on Scottish farms last year, including one case where 12 cows died with a further 74 affected.

“I urge all livestock keepers to be aware of any potential sources of lead, whether that be old vehicle batteries, lead paint, water pipes or bonfire ash, and regularly assess the risk of lead in their premises and on grazing ground. Almost all cases of lead poisoning are avoidable by taking simple steps.”