Chronic endemic fluorosis of merino sheep in Queensland

Abstract

The distribution in Queensland of underground waters containing various amounts of fluorine is mapped. Levels of fluorine toxic to Merino sheep are largely confined to thermal bicarbonate waters. Transmission studies indicate that there is little or no transmission of fluorine from the ewe to the foetus on waters up to 10 p.p.m. fluorine and that no appreciable amount of fluorine is transmitted through the milk. Dietary mitigation studies show that the feeding of diets high in protein, calcium or phosphate is not effective in combatting fluorosis in sheep on waters containing 5 and 10 p.p.m. fluorine. There appears to be no economical method of reducing the fluorine content of stock waters in Queensland. Methods of management of various classes of sheep which will minimise the harmful effects of fluorine are suggested.