Peracute selenium toxicosis followed by sudden death in growing and finishing pigs.

Fattening pigs (n = 751) showed progressive apathy, paralysis, and sudden death after accidental ingestion of excessive concentrations of selenium in mineral feed. Selenium concentrations of 1.09 to 1.32 mg/L in the serum confirmed the diagnosis. Within 3 d all pigs had died spontaneously or were euthanized due to the grave prognosis and on welfare grounds.