Epidemiology of Animal Poisonings in Europe

Toxicoepidemiological data on animal poisoning in Europe are fragmented, mainly due to the absence of a centralized European veterinary poison control center. As far as companion animals are concerned, dogs are the most commonly poisoned species followed by cats and horses. With regard to food-producing animals, most poisoning cases occur in cattle followed by sheep and goats, while poultry and pigs are rarely involved. Minor percentages of incidents are also reported for exotics and rabbits. Wild birds, particularly waterfowl and raptors, are more commonly reported as victims of poisoning than wild mammals. Deliberate primary or secondary poisoning due to pesticides and exposure to lead ammunition are of increasing concern. Small animals are also exposed to household products, plants, drugs, ethylene glycol, zootoxins, and drugs of abuse, whereas horses and cattle are exposed to phytotoxins.