Effect of neurotoxic organophosphorus compounds in Turkeys

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Abstract
To determine the neurotoxic effects of organophosphorus compounds in turkeys, adult birds were given a single oral dose of 125, 250, 500 mg/kg triorthotolyl phosphate (TOTP) or a single subcutaneous dose of 0.4 mg/kg O,O'‐diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate (DFP). At 24 h after dosing with TOTP, neurotoxic esterase activity was found to be inhibited in a dose‐related manner, as were the activities of blood cholinesterase and liver cholinesterase. Clinical signs of neuropathy appeared within 2 wk in TOTP‐treated groups of birds with neurotoxic esterase activities at 59 ± 3% (125 mg/kg), 47 ± 7% (250 mg/kg) and 33 ± 3% (500mg/kg) of control values (mean ± SEM, n = 5) at 24 h after dosing. Signs appeared earlier in turkeys given DFP. Histological examination revealed only mild lesions of delayed neurotoxicity in birds given either TOTP or DFP.