November 14, 2006

Overdose of chemical in feed kills 50,000 chickens in Australia

The deaths of almost 50,000 chickens on two farms near Brisbane, Australia has been attributed to an accident involving a load of feed.

The feed contained high levels of Nicarbazin, a chemical used to control parasites which is used as a medication frequently.

The farms and the feed supplier have not been released by Australian food safety authorities.

Dr Andreas Dubs from the Australian Chicken Meat Federation says the 150,000 chickens that recovered from last week's overdose have been cleared for human consumption.

The Nicarbazin was present in the feed at a much higher dose than it would normally be used and was actually at a toxic level, Dubs said.