Lead poisoning impacts cattle in Saskatchewan every year, potentially killing multiple animals in a herd. Not only is there the concern associated with losing cattle, but there is also potential for lead to enter the food chain – because of this, testing is required in lead poisoning cases to protect public health.

Dr. Vanessa Cowan, toxicologist at Prairie Diagnostic Services, has seen several confirmed cases of lead poisoning this year, with five being in the past month. She says the most well-known source of lead poisoning is automotive batteries. These batteries are likely remnants from old vehicles or machinery and may have been in the pasture for years unnoticed. However, these are not the only source of lead. Dr. Cowan says that other sources like old buildings with lead paint, old

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