selenium poisoning

poisoning of livestock from grazing on plants that have absorbed excessive selenium from the soil. Areas of selenium-rich soil have been found in the northern Great Plains of North America, Ireland, Israel, China, Russia, and elsewhere. Chronic selenium poisoning (called also alkali disease) is characterized by cirrhosis of the liver, anemia, loss of hair, erosions of long bones, and emaciation. Acute selenium poisoning (called also blind staggers) is characterized by impaired vision, an unsteady gait, and increasing incoordination with respiratory failure and often death within 24 hours. Called also selenosis.