Impact of Lead Toxicity on Animal Health: Prevention and Control Strategies

Lead is a widespread environmental toxin and a major cause of poisoning in domestic and wild animals worldwide. Cases in animals often serve as sentinels, indicating environmental contamination and potential human health risks. In veterinary practice, lead poisoning is most commonly seen in cattle and dogs, while other species are less affected due to selective feeding habits or lower susceptibility.In cattle, many cases are associated with agricultural activities such as seeding and harvesting, during which improper disposal of used oil, batteries, and machinery waste can expose animals to lead. Other important sources include old lead-based paints, grease, linoleum, lead weights, lead shot, and contaminated vegetation near industrial areas, smelters, or roadsides. Although the removal of tetraethyl lead from gasoline has reduced oil-related poisoning, environmental contamination remains a significant risk.