Epidemiological data on chemical poisoning of animals: a source for risk assessment

Chemicals, included in the category of pesticides (n.1159 cases), insecticides, rodenticides, molluscicides, herbicides and fungicides, and household products (n. 191 cases), are among the main classes involved in animal poisoning. Epidemiological studies were carried out from 2010 to 2013 based on the Human Poison Control Centre of Milan (Centro Antiveleni di Milano, CAV) data related to domestic animal poisoning, in collaboration with the Veterinary Toxicology Section of the University of Milan. Data, processed for epidemiological analysis and evaluated in terms of the animal species, toxic substance, clinical signs and final outcome, were classified and represent an interesting database of chemical exposure. Most of the suspected poisoning cases were related to anticholinesterase insecticides, carbamates (methomyl), organophosphates (chlorpyriphos), and pyrethrins-pyrethroids. Frequently reported cases involved rodenticides such as anticoagulants, zinc phosphide, chlorophacinone, α-chloralose together with the molluscicides metaldehyde and methiocarb, in cases involving pets. Occasionally, the herbicides paraquat and glyphosate and fungicides like copper sulphate, copper oxychloride, ziram were reported. Caustic agents like sodium hydroxide, a drain cleaner also known as caustic soda and detergents and other frequent household toxicants such as solvents (hydrocarbons) used in paints and domestic fuel, fertilizers and ethylene glycol, used as an anti-freeze, are culprits causing intoxication. Epidemiological data collected can be a useful source and a key tool for chemical risk assessment. References: Caloni F, Cortinovis C, Rivolta M, Davanzo F Animal poisoning in Italy: 10 years of epidemiological data from the Poison Control Centre of Milan, 2012, Veterinary record 170, 415 Caloni F Berny P, Croubels S, Sachana M,Guitart R Epidemiology of poisonings in Europe, 2012, Chapter 7 pp 88-97 Veterinary Toxicology, Editor R. Gupta,2nd Edition Caloni F, Cortinovis C, Pizzo F, Rivolta M, Panzavolta G, Falciola C, Davanzo F Poisoning of domestic animals: 2011 data from poison control centre of Milan, 2012, Toxicology letters, 214, 211S Caloni F, Cortinovis C, Pizzo F, Rivolta M, Davanzo F. Poisoning of domestic animals data from Poison Control Centre of Milan, 2012, Toxicology letters, 221, S254