Amitraz poisoning in calves

Abstract

Amitraz is monoamine oxidase inhibitor used to control ticks, mites by interfering with the nervous system of fleas, mites and ticks. In this study, two calves were presented to the Referral Veterinary Diagnostic and Extension Centre (RVDEC), Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (LUVAS), Uchani, Karnal with history of accidental feeding of amitraz to both calves by animal owner as a dewormer. Clinical signs evident were anorexia, profuse salivation, frequent urination, slight nervous signs, ataxia and sedation. Haematobiochemical examination of both the calves showed leukocytosis with absolute neutrophilia, hyperglycemia and increase in the level of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase. The calves were treated by inj. neostigmine, antihistamine, antibiotic (ceftriaxone plus sulbactum – in buffalo calf; Oxytetracycline – in cattle calf), activated charcoal bolus (orally) and other supportive treatments. The calves promptly responded to the therapy after 5 days of treatment. This seems to be the first report of amitraz poisoning in calves from Haryana state of India.