Probe into cattle copper poisoning


3 October 2000



Probe into cattle copper poisoning


GOVERNMENT scientists are to investigate an apparent increase in copper poisoning of cattle, reports The Guardian.

The Food Standards Agency said there was no risk to consumers as it has so far only affected older animals which are not used for food because of anti-BSE measures.

Dairy farmer Mark Purdey has long claimed there is a link between BSE, Phosmet – an organophosphate used to treat warble fly, and copper levels.

He argues that Phosmets effect in reducing copper levels in cattle is compounded by an excess of manganese to cause BSE.

See more