Which species are commonly affected by phenoxy herbicide toxicosis?

• A. Cattle, swine, and dogs
• B. Horses and rabbits
• C. Birds and fish
• D. Cats only

Answer: (A)

Phenoxy herbicides are synthetic plant growth regulators that animals can encounter through grazing on treated pasture, contaminated feed or water, or contact with treated lawns and surfaces. Because cattle and swine spend a lot of time on pasture and can ingest residues, and dogs frequently encounter lawn applications or lick treated grass, these species are the ones most commonly reported with toxicosis. Birds and fish are less typically exposed in everyday domestic scenarios, and while horses, rabbits, and cats can be affected, they do not represent the most common exposure pattern. Therefore, the combination of livestock grazing on treated land and dogs with household exposure best fits the usual picture of phenoxy herbicide toxicosis.