Cause
It is caused by deficiency of selenium and vitamin E in diet. It occurs worldwide where soil is deficient in selenium.
Factors that may lead to this deficiency
- Heavy rains leach out selenium
- High sulphur compete with selenium
- Feeds of low quality
Observations made in dairy animals when they are deficient of selenium
Sudden dullness, weakness, increased heart rate, stiffness and sometimes sudden deaths maybe reported.
Treatment and control
Supplement vitamin E and selenium in their diet
Oral administration of selenium and vitamin E
Top dressing pasture