Sources of Poisoning
A poison is any matter (solid, liquid, or gaseous) which is introduced to a body outwardly or inwardly, can destroy life in a small dose by its own inherent qualities. It acts without acting mechanically, and irrespective of temperature. To tell a substance is actually a poison or not, it depends upon quantity taken, exposed species, and the route it follows to enter a body. A small intake of vitamin A is essential to forestall night blindness, yet excess may lead serious digestive disorders, as arctic explorers who have eaten polar bear liver have found to their cost .
Broadly can be classified into two sub-divisions:
- Malicious Poisoning: It is an unlawful killing of animal by administering certain toxic substances. It includes forceful administration of poisons mixed food or water to animals. Examples: Insecticides- involves the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE)
Warfarin- used in blood clot formation but forceful ingestion leads bleeding
- Accidental Poisoning: It may occur when an animal takes poison accidentally or unintentionally in its feed, water or fodder. It can be sub-divided into:
- Natural Sources
- Artificial Sources