Objective: Salinomycin is a polyether ionophore, widely used as a coccidiostat and growth promoter in poultry and cattle, respectively. Biological activity of ionophores is based on the disturbance of cation movement across the cell membranes. By binding to K+ ion, Salinomycin facilitate movement of this ion out of the cell and increase influx of Ca2+ ion into the cell. This event leads to loss of intracellular potassium and inhibition of ATP hydrolysis in the mitochondria. Moreover, it also reduces cell energy production and initiates calcium-mediated processes, which consequently, leads to cell death, especially in mycocytes. This article describes an accidental acute Salinomycin intoxication in a male breeder turkey flock. Material & Methods: A sudden and high mortality were observed in one of three houses of a 3000 10-week-old male breeder turkeys, located in Mashhad, Iran. History of the flock was taken. Involvement of any changes in the diet or its ingredients, and environmental condition were also investigated. Clinical signs was evaluated and postmortem examination was conducted. Samples of different organs and tissues were taken for histopathology. Results & Conclusion: History taking revealed accidental inclusion of Sodium Salinomycin premix in the diet of affected flock. Within three days the turkeys showed dyspnea, gasping, drooping wings, leg paralysis and sternal recumbency. Seventy percent of the flock died in three days. No pathognomonic postmortem lesions were found at necropsy. Histopathological examination of the skeletal muscles revealed fragmentation of myofibers, congestion and edema in interstitial compartment, along with multifocal myonecrosis and infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells. There was severe congestion and multifocal hemorrhage associated with renal tubular epithelial cell degeneration in the affected kidneys. In the livers, there was hepatocellular degeneration, severe congestion, focal hemorrhage, bile duct hyperplasia and mild proliferation of connective tissue in portal spaces. At the time of slaughter, surviving turkeys were 1-2 kg lower in weight. Based on the history taken, clinical signs and post-mortem findings, along with histopathology examination, flock was diagnosed as acute Salinomycin intoxication. Not all animal are sensitive to ionophores toxicity, but turkey is one of the most sensitive species to ionophore toxicity. To avoid such incidents, ionophores have to be sold only by prescription. Furthermore, extension activities are needed to provide farmers and feed mill operators with basic information about ionophores, which are toxic to non-target species. This report emphasizes severe health consequences of feeding diets containing Salinomycin in turkey.

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