CLINICO-EPIDEMIOLOGIC FEATURES OF BOVINE FLUOROSIS IN PUNJAB

Cross-sectional investigation was conducted in 4 villages, one each in Mansa, Bathinda, Sangrur and Ferozepur districts of Punjab considered endemic for fluorosis in human population. Prevalence of bovine fluor osis was 9.55, 5.45, 3.50 and 1.96 % in Jhunir (Mansa), Bajakhana (Bat hinda), Pure Ke Kalan (Sangrur) and Kathera (Ferozepur), respectively, with overall rate being 7.71%. The disease was much common in buffalo es (97.5%) than cows (2.5%). Season, age, physiological status, breed and milk yield affected the occurrence of disease. Fluorosis was assoc iated with toxic fluoride level (3.14 +/- 0.42 ppm) in underground wat er. Dental mottling, lameness and higher respiration and heart rates w ere commonly encountered clinical symptoms. Pallor of mucosae and knee posture were noticed in severely affected animals. Reproductive disor ders of prolonged postpartum anoestrus and increased incidence of vagi nal prolapse were also recorded.