Cattle Deaths: Nitrate Poisoning

AN initial report from an autopsy on 12 cattle which died at the Scone sale yards last Tuesday, indicates the cause of death was nitrate poisoning.

Local Land Services are the lead agency of the investigation and have reported their initial findings to the Upper Hunter Shire Council, which operate the facility.

Steve McDonald, general manager of the Council said they have been advised it is an isolated incident relating to feed.

“We have been told it is not uncommon at this time of the year, there are dry conditions, fertiliser is being used to produce feed and it can cause high nitrate levels,” said Mr McDonald.

“They have further explained that in a paddock where 50 bails of hay are produced there may be three with high levels of nitrate and it is difficult to identify issues,” he said.

“The twelve cattle were all from the Carcoar area, they were young, healthy cattle which were held over night as part of the safety and well-being for the animals,” he said.

“The cattle were in different yards and it comes down to some animals have a greater tolerance and some don’t, it is a bit similar to kikuyu poisoning,” he said.

“There were 600 cattle at the sale yards, which were inspected by the vet on the Wednesday and cleared,” he said.

“Our highest priority is animal welfare and we are ensuring that we prevent or reduce the chances of this occurring in the future,” Steve McDonald said.