Dr Joe Kendall, Veterinary Toxicologist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, advises that before introducing animals to a new pasture, it is important to check for evidence of discarded or abandoned batteries.
“Discarded batteries that have gone through several freeze-thaw cycles and no longer have intact cases are the most dangerous,’ said Kendall, ‘The lead plates are exposed and easily accessible by the animals.”
Young calves are particularly attracted to the taste of lead and will actively seek it out. Cattle exposed to toxic levels of lead will have seizures and could die. The lead levels in the body will also make the meat and milk unsafe for human consumption. Animals that have died from lead toxicity should be safely buried to prevent lead toxicity in wildlife.
“Lead exposure or poisoning, along with other toxins, must be reported to the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian. It is important to reduce the risk of contamination of pasture and farmland with lead and to be diligent about keeping an eye out for any signs of buried batteries or other sources of lead.”
Animals effected by lead may appear blind and wander aimlessly.
Used lead acid batteries should be safely disposed at collection stations. Residents in Alberta can check with the Recycling Council of Alberta to find the nearest location to dispose spent batteries.