Lindane is applied directly to the canola seed coat, while terbufos and carbofuran are bonded to a carrier agent and mixed with the canola seed. These insecticides exert their toxic effects by interference with transmission of nerve impulses. The net effect of this is hyper stimulation of muscles and organs. Diarrhea and salivation are common signs. Twitching of the facial muscles and eyelids progresses to gross muscular tremors over the whole body.
Breathing becomes labored, and the pupils commonly become tightly restricted.
If you suspect this type of toxicity in your herd, contact your veterinarian immediately. It is obviously critical that these chemicals be stored, hauled, used, and disposed of properly. It is unwise to store open containers containing agricultural chemicals in a building or area where it might be ingested by children, domestic animals, or wildlife. It is similarly foolish to dump unwanted chemicals in sloughs or wastelands, as both domestic and wild animals will eventually find it. Don't assume that the chemicals will eventually decompose and become non-toxic with time, because these products maintain their toxic potency for many years.