Superphosphate poisoning of sheep: a study of natural outbreaks

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Abstract
Superphosphate poisoning is typically a disease of pregnant and lactating ewes under nutritional stress. Poisoning has been observed only in the late winter and spring. Most episodes occurred when hungry sheep were forced to graze short pastures topdressed within 1 wk prior to the onset of clinical signs. Fine weather which was favorable for the application of fertilizer also favored the occurrence of poisoning. Clinical signs included anorexia, thirst, diarrhea, weakness and incoordination. Death usually occurred within 48 h of the onset of clinical signs. In some outbreaks the signs were those of hypoglycemia but response to Ca therapy was transient. Poisoning resulted in a toxic tubular nephritis and uremia. No satisfactory treatment was suggested but poisoning could be prevented by avoiding exposure of sheep to topdressed pastures.

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