A preliminary report on the occurrence of selenosis in South Africa and its possible role in the aetiology of tribulosis (geeldikkop), enzootic icterus and some other disease conditions encountered in the Karoo areas

Abstract

Selenosis is described, it is believed for the first time, as being a potential grazing hazard in many parts of this country, especially in the Karoo areas. A review of the symptomatology, pathology and epizootology of the condition as it is known elsewhere in the world is presented together with a short account of experimental selenosis and some of the known actions or toxic effects of the element on the body. A brief description of some disease conditions which are believed to be essentially chronic selenosis syndromes is given, and some thoughts are advanced as to the possible role of selenium intoxication in the two conditions known as tribulosis ovis (geeldikkop), and enzootic icterus. In conclusion the results of numerous analyses of animal and plant tissues for selenium are presented, which indicate the presence of dangerous amounts of this element in the material examined.