Toxicology is the study of poisons and their action on the living body. This entails the investigation of the properties of poisons, their action on different species of animals, causes of the poisonings, and conditions under which animals are poisoned. Detailed knowledge of the latter is essential for effective prevention. The discipline of veterinary toxicology concerns the protection of companion animals, wildlife and food producing animals. Poisoning of farm, domestic and wild animals, whether by accident or intent, is a very real problem in South Africa. To that end, the division of toxicology focuses on the toxicological analyses of samples which includes animal organs, cadavers of small animals, biological fluids (urine, blood), and animal feed The chemical analysis of the samples provides an objective determination of the poisons and is a vital factor in the diagnosis of toxicoses. The laboratory is accredited by SANAS according to the international standard ISO/IEC 17025:2005. The full scope of accreditation is available on the SANAS website.
This section is divided into three main facilities:
Our main function is to screen samples for toxic substances, verify analytical results, advise clients, investigate unknown causes of livestock poisoning and interpret laboratory results in a meaningful manner to clients.
Our small animal unit, houses cattle, sheep and small animals (mice, rats, guinea pigs) for animal experiments and toxicity testing.
Natural conditions such as the excessive occurrence of poisonous plants, used for grazing, leading to death of livestock, have compelled us to undertake research projects to find mechanisms of controlling plant poisoning.
