Animal Poisoning Epidemiology and Toxicology
Summary
Animal poisoning epidemiology and toxicology encompasses the study of the occurrence, distribution and determinants of harmful exposures to chemicals, natural toxins and environmental contaminants in both domestic and wild species. Epidemiological investigations draw on data from poison information centres, veterinary clinics and wildlife rehabilitation facilities to identify incidence patterns across regions, seasons and animal populations. Toxicology probes the mechanistic basis of toxicity, addressing absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion, as well as dose–response relationships at cellular and organ levels. Major toxicants include agricultural pesticides (organophosphates, carbamates, rodenticides), phytotoxins from ornamental or invasive plants, pharmaceuticals and emerging contaminants such as veterinary drugs in environmental run-off. Clinical outcomes range from acute neurotoxicity and respiratory distress to chronic effects on reproduction, growth and behaviour. Advances in analytical chemistry, including mass spectrometry and biomarker assays, have enhanced detection of subclinical exposures and informed risk assessment. Integrating epidemiological surveillance with toxicological insight supports the formulation of preventive strategies—regulatory controls, veterinary guidelines and owner education—and guides the development of antidotes and supportive therapies. Comparative studies across species further reinforce the One Health perspective, linking animal, human and ecosystem health and highlighting sentinel roles for wildlife in monitoring environmental hazards.
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Animal Poisoning Epidemiology and Toxicology publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in animal poisoning epidemiology and toxicology across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Epidemiology: The study of the frequency, distribution and determinants of health-related events in populations.
Toxicology: The scientific discipline concerned with the adverse effects of chemical, physical or biological agents on living organisms.
Phytotoxin: A naturally occurring toxic compound produced by plants that can cause harmful effects in animals.
Organophosphate: A class of insecticide compounds that irreversibly inhibit acetylcholinesterase, leading to overstimulation of the nervous system.
Carbamate: A group of pesticides that reversibly inhibit acetylcholinesterase, affecting neurotransmission and causing cholinergic signs.
Toxicovigilance: The ongoing, systematic collection and analysis of data on toxic exposures to support prevention and control measures.
References
- Emerging Plant Intoxications in Domestic Animals: A European Perspective. Toxins (2023).
- Epidemiological Study of Pesticide Poisoning in Domestic Animals and Wildlife in Portugal: 2014–2020. Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2021).
- Animal Pesticide Poisoning in Tunisia. Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2019).
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