Fluoridated ground water and its toxic effects on domesticated animals residing in rural tribal areas of Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Ground water sources (wells and handpumps) for drinking water in 12 villages of tribal areas of Rajasthan (India) were analysed for evidence of fluoride (F) content. These sources revealed mean F concentration in the range of 1.0 to 5.2 ppm. The toxic effects of fluoride (fluoride toxicity) in the form of osteo‐dental fluorosis were observed in the domesticated immature and mature animals, viz., cattle, buffaloes, goats and sheep. The prevalence of dental fluorosis in calves (< 1 year age) was found to be relatively higher than for adult cattle and buffaloes. Cent percent calves (7/7) were revealed with enamel mottling with varying grades at 3.0 ppm F concentration in ground water, whereas cattle (40/40) and buffaloes (14/14) were at 3.2 ppm. The older buffaloes showed brownish black teeth, not creamy yellow as found in calves and cattle. Out of 516 goats and 468 sheep and their 236 lambs, none showed evidence of osteo‐dental fluorosis. The overall prevalence of skeletal fluorosis was 36.2%, with the highest prevalence of 56.0% in cattle and 59.6% in buffaloes at a mean F concentration of 5.2 ppm. At or more 4.0 ppm F concentration only 28 (7.16%) buffalo calves were found to be affected with skeletal fluorosis. Intermittent lameness occurred in most of the higher age group of animals (>7 years age) at 1.8 ppm F or more in the water. None of the fluorotic animals was found to be affected with hypothyroidism. The prevalence and severity of osteo‐dental fluorosis in these animals was progressive with age. Different effects of fluoride toxicity in cattle and buffaloes are also discussed.