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The article reports on the detection and treatment of cobalt sulphate poisoning in ruminants, an uncommon sequel to over-zealous supplementation of animals with cobalt deficiency, in Ireland. It cites the symptoms of cobalt deficiency including decreased milk production, poor appetite and pale mucous membranes. It also discusses the cases of calves which had died because of chronic cobalt toxicity.

The article presents regional veterinary laboratories report in Ireland as of September 2013. It mentions that parasitic gastroenteritis was the most commonly recorded diagnosis with 11 cases recorded while clostridial disease remains a significant cause of bovine and ovine mortality. The death of three cows after showing signs of hyperexcitability in the South East region and the post mortem examination of four-month-old male Friesian calf in the Northeast region are tackled.

A method has been developed, optimised and validated to analyse protein powder supplements on an inductively coupled plasma-sector field mass spectrometer (ICP-SFMS), with reference to ICH Guideline Q2 Validation of Analytical Procedures: Text and Methodology. This method was used in the assessment of twenty-one (n = 21) elements (Al, Au, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Pb, Pt, Sn, Ti, Tl, V) to evaluate the safety of thirty-six (n = 36) protein powder samples that were commercially available in the Irish marketplace in 2016/2017. Using the determined concentrations of elements in samples (µg·kg−1), a human health risk assessment was carried out to evaluate the potential carcinogenic and other risks to consumers of these products. While the concentrations of potentially toxic elements were found to be at acceptable levels, the results suggest that excessive and prolonged use of some of these products may place consumers at a slightly elevated risk for developing cancer or other negative health impacts throughout their lifetimes. Thus, the excessive use of these products is to be cautioned, and consumers are encouraged to follow manufacturer serving recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the findings concerning the various diseases affecting animals carried out by veterinary laboratories in different regions in Ireland. Among these include fungal pneumonia in a three-month old calf and hoose pneumonia in a 16th month-old bullock in Athlone, hematoma in the penis of a four-month old calf in Kilkenny, pulpy kidney in a lamb in Sligo, and ovine pulmonary adenomatosis in an 18th month-old sheep in Dublin.