The death of five young heifers on a Hastings property could be linked to using an ICB tank that previously stored a diesel fuel additive containing Urea.
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The cattle were found just metres from the water source on Wednesday.
Wauchope Vets' Michael Ferguson also confirmed this is the second case of cattle deaths in the last few months.
The 1000 litre ICB tanks are commonly used within the farming industry for spraying and watering.
Mr Ferguson said he had forwarded samples from the most recent case for testing to the department of primary industries.
He described the incident as "unfortunate" and said the owner of the cattle was "devastated".
The vet said many farmers were being forced to source water for their stock as rivers dry up.
"The Thone River has run dry so the farmer had to provide water to his stock - which was a first for him," Mr Ferguson said.
"He got some used ICB tanks that he was assured were clean and rinsed out. He used those tanks to water his stock.
"Unfortunately they dropped dead pretty quickly.
"A lot of people are using these tanks to fight fires and they are also quite handy for water. This farmer is devastated because he just wanted to provide his stock with water.
This is one of the awful realities of drought and the complications of providing safe clean water to livestock.
- Michael Ferguson
"This is one of the awful realities of drought and the complications of providing safe clean water to livestock.
"Urea poisoning can cause rapid death in livestock. Cattle can show agitation, irritability, and aggressive behaviour, with loss of ruminal tone and bloating. Sheep are often dull and depressed. Horses may show depression and head pressing.
"Sadly, depending on the amount ingested, they normally will die quite quickly."
Mr Ferguson said the farmer was still shocked.
This is the second incident where we believe cattle have been poisoned, the vet said.
The first incident was in the Lorne Valley where eight cows drank water from an ICB tank and died.
He said the tanks were very common on farms because they were practical.
Mr Ferguson said people should always check what an ICB tank contained prior to taking ownership.
They must not have any diesel fuel additives or radiator fluids, he said.
He also warned that more cattle deaths could be reported with drought conditions to continue.
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