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Katzner TE, Pain DJ, McTee M, Brown L, Cuadros S, Pokras M, Slabe VA, Watson RT, Wiemeyer G, Bedrosian B, Hampton JO, Parish CN, Pay JM, Saito K, Schulz JH. Lead poisoning of raptors: state of the science and cross-discipline mitigation options for a global problem. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024. [PMID: 38693847 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Lead poisoning is an important global conservation problem for many species of wildlife, especially raptors. Despite the increasing number of individual studies and regional reviews of lead poisoning of raptors, it has been over a decade since this information has been compiled into a comprehensive global review. Here, we summarize the state of knowledge of lead poisoning of raptors, we review developments in manufacturing of non-lead ammunition, the use of which can reduce the most pervasive source of lead these birds encounter, and we compile data on voluntary and regulatory mitigation options and their associated sociological context. We support our literature review with case studies of mitigation actions, largely provided by the conservation practitioners who study or manage these efforts. Our review illustrates the growing awareness and understanding of lead exposure of raptors, and it shows that the science underpinning this understanding has expanded considerably in recent years. We also show that the political and social appetite for managing lead ammunition appears to vary substantially across administrative regions, countries, and continents. Improved understanding of the drivers of this variation could support more effective mitigation of lead exposure of wildlife. This review also shows that mitigation strategies are likely to be most effective when they are outcome driven, consider behavioural theory, local cultures, and environmental conditions, effectively monitor participation, compliance, and levels of raptor exposure, and support both environmental and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd E Katzner
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 230 North Collins Road, Boise, ID, 83702, USA
| | - Deborah J Pain
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK
- Zoology Department, University of Cambridge, Downing St, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Michael McTee
- MPG Ranch, 19400 Lower Woodchuck Road, Florence, MT, 59833, USA
| | - Leland Brown
- Oregon Zoo, North American Non-lead Partnership, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR, 97221, USA
| | - Sandra Cuadros
- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, 410 Summer Valley Rd, Orwigsburg, PA, 17961, USA
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, 1177 Research Road, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Mark Pokras
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, 200 Westboro Rd, North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA
| | - Vincent A Slabe
- Conservation Science Global, Bozeman, MT, USA
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID, 83709, USA
| | - Richard T Watson
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID, 83709, USA
| | - Guillermo Wiemeyer
- CONICET- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Pampa, Calle 5 esq. 116 MO L6360, Gral. Pico, La Pampa, Argentina
| | | | - Jordan O Hampton
- Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | | | - James M Pay
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Churchill Ave, Hobart, Tasmania, 7005, Australia
| | - Keisuke Saito
- Institute for Raptor Biomedicine Japan 2-2101 Hokuto, Kushiro, Hokkaido, 084-0922, Japan
| | - John H Schulz
- School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 1111 Rollins St, Columbia, MO, 65203, USA
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2
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Hydeskov HB, Arnemo JM, Lloyd Mills C, Gentle LK, Uzal A. A Global Systematic Review of Lead (Pb) Exposure and its Health Effects in Wild Mammals. J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:285-297. [PMID: 38345465 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a toxic nonessential metal, known mainly for causing poisoning of humans and wild birds. However, little is known about Pb exposure and its associated health effects in wild mammals. We conducted a global systematic literature review to identify peer-reviewed studies published on Pb exposure in wild mammalian species and the health effects they identified. In total, 183 studies, conducted in 35 countries and published over 62 yr (1961-2022), were included in the review. Only 6% (11/183) of the studies were conducted in developing countries. Although 153 mammalian species were studied, most studies focused on species that are easy to access (i.e., hunted species and small mammals that are easy to trap). Therefore, carnivores and scavengers were less frequently studied than herbivores and omnivores. Despite all studies reporting Pb concentrations, only 45 (25%) studies investigated health effects and, of these 45 studies, only 28 (62%) found any health effect in 57 species. All health effects were negative and ranged from subclinical effects to fatality. Methodologies of Pb sampling and quantification and reporting of results varied widely across the studies, making both Pb concentrations and health effects difficult to compare and evaluate. Thus, there is a need for more research on Pb exposure and its health effects on wild mammals, especially as carnivores and scavengers could be used as sentinels for ecosystem health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helle B Hydeskov
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Brackenhurst Lane, Southwell, NG25 0QF, UK
| | - Jon M Arnemo
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Evenstad, Anne Evenstads Vei 80, 2480 Koppang, Norway
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Forest Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skogsmarksgränd, 90736 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Chris Lloyd Mills
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Campus, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Louise K Gentle
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Brackenhurst Lane, Southwell, NG25 0QF, UK
| | - Antonio Uzal
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Brackenhurst Lane, Southwell, NG25 0QF, UK
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3
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Coiacetto FJ, Rossi G, Stephens N, Vaughan-Higgins RJ. Gross and histopathological findings in hindlimb paralysis syndrome in wild Carnaby's black cockatoos (Zanda laitirostris). J Comp Pathol 2024; 210:38-46. [PMID: 38552539 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2024.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe the gross and histopathological features of a neurological syndrome in endangered Western Australian Carnaby's black cockatoos (Zanda laitirostris) that was first observed in 2012. The syndrome, named hindlimb paralysis syndrome in Carnaby's cockatoos (CHiPS), is characterized by annual outbreaks of hindlimb paralysis with occasional loss of deep pain and cloacal tone, typically occurring between January and March. Previous limited investigations suggested a possible toxic aetiology. Full gross necropsy and histopathology examinations were performed on 17 CHiPS cases and on 11 control birds for reference. Histopathological examination was carried out on all major organs including brain, spinal cord, brachial plexus, sciatic nerve and wing and hindlimb muscles. Gross and histopathological examinations did not elucidate a definitive cause of the clinical signs seen in CHiPS cases. There were no substantial gross or histopathological changes within the brain, spinal cord, sciatic nerve or brachial plexus that could explain the hindlimb paralysis. The most noteworthy changes were seen in the hindlimb and wing muscles, with a monophasic to polyphasic myopathy present in the hindlimb muscles of 15 of the 17 CHiPS cases and in the wing muscles in 11 of those cases. The cause and significance of the myopathy is unclear and requires further investigation. Based on the above findings, the most likely differential diagnoses include neurotoxicoses (eg, organophosphate, organochlorine and carbamate) and, less likely, myotoxicosis (eg, ionophore toxicosis), nutritional myopathy (eg, vitamin E/selenium deficiency) or botulism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia J Coiacetto
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
| | - Gabriele Rossi
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia; Centre for Animal Production and Health, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Nahiid Stephens
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Vaughan-Higgins
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia; Perth Zoo, Veterinary Department, 20 Labouchere Rd, South Perth, Western Australia, 6151, Australia
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Murray M, Cox EC. Bromethalin Exposure and Possible Toxicosis in a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). J Wildl Dis 2023; 59:815-817. [PMID: 37578742 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
A free-living Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) displayed acute onset neurologic signs. Postmortem analysis of adipose tissue identified desmethylbromethalin, the active metabolite of bromethalin. Antemortem signs, detection of desmethylbromethalin, and results of other diagnostics support the possibility of secondary bromethalin toxicosis. Investigation of bromethalin's potential risk to wildlife is critically needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Murray
- Tufts Wildlife Clinic, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, Massachusetts 01536, USA
| | - Elena C Cox
- Tufts Wildlife Clinic, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, Massachusetts 01536, USA
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Hampton JO, Lohr MT, Specht AJ, Nzabanita D, Hufschmid J, Berger L, McGinnis K, Melville J, Bennett E, Pay JM. Lead exposure of mainland Australia's top avian predator. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:122004. [PMID: 37302786 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) toxicity, through ingestion of lead ammunition in carcasses, is a threat to scavenging birds worldwide, but has received little attention in Australia. We analyzed lead exposure in the wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax), the largest raptor species found in mainland Australia and a facultative scavenger. Eagle carcasses were collected opportunistically throughout south-eastern mainland Australia between 1996 and 2022. Lead concentrations were measured in bone samples from 62 animals via portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Lead was detected (concentration >1 ppm) in 84% (n = 52) of the bone samples. The mean lead concentration of birds in which lead was detected was 9.10 ppm (±SE 1.66). Bone lead concentrations were elevated (10-20 ppm) in 12.9% of samples, and severe (>20 ppm) in 4.8% of samples. These proportions are moderately higher than equivalent data for the same species from the island of Tasmania, and are comparable to data from threatened eagle species from other continents. Lead exposure at these levels is likely to have negative impacts on wedge-tailed eagles at the level of the individual and perhaps at a population level. Our results suggest that studies of lead exposure in other Australian avian scavenger species are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan O Hampton
- Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
| | - Michael T Lohr
- School of Science, Edith Cowan University, 100 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia, 6027, Australia; SLR Consulting, 500 Hay St, Subiaco, Western Australia, 6008, Australia
| | - Aaron J Specht
- Purdue University, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, United States
| | - Damien Nzabanita
- School of Science, RMIT University, 264 Plenty Road, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Jasmin Hufschmid
- Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Lee Berger
- Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Kate McGinnis
- Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Animal Welfare League Queensland, Shelter Road, Coombabah, Queensland, 4216, Australia
| | - Jane Melville
- Museums Victoria Research Institute, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, Victoria, 3053, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, 25 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Emma Bennett
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, 25 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - James M Pay
- University of Tasmania, Churchill Avenue, Hobart, Tasmania, 7005, Australia
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6
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Meyer CB, Walker TA, Francisco AB, Morrison EB, Meyer JS. Method to assess the potential magnitude of terrestrial European avian population reductions from ingestion of lead ammunition. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273572. [PMID: 36037158 PMCID: PMC9423653 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Current estimates of terrestrial bird losses across Europe from ingestion of lead ammunition are based on uncertain or generic assumptions. A method is needed to develop defensible European-specific estimates compatible with available data that does not require long-term field studies. We propose a 2-step method using carcass data and population models. The method estimates percentage of deaths diagnosed as directly caused by lead poisoning as a lower bound and, as an upper bound, the percentage of possible deaths from sublethal lead poisoning that weakens birds, making them susceptible to death by other causes. We use these estimates to modify known population-level annual mortality. Our method also allows for potential reductions in reproduction from lead shot ingestion because reductions in survival and reproduction are entered into population models of species with life histories representative of the most groups of susceptible species. The models estimate the sustainability and potential population decreases from lead poisoning in Europe. Using the best available data, we demonstrate the method on two taxonomic groups of birds: gallinaceous birds and diurnal raptors. The direction of the population trends affects the estimate, and we incorporated such trends into the method. Our midpoint estimates of the reduction in population size of the European gallinaceous bird (< 2%) group and raptor group (2.9–7.7%) depend on the species life history, maximum growth rate, population trend, and if reproduction is assumed to be reduced. Our estimates can be refined as more information becomes available in countries with data gaps. We advocate use of this method to improve upon or supplement approaches currently being used. As we demonstrate, the method also can be applied to individual species of concern if enough data across countries are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn B. Meyer
- Arcadis, Highlands Ranch, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | | | - Joseph S. Meyer
- Applied Limnology Professionals LLC, Golden, Colorado, United States of America
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7
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Slabe VA, Anderson JT, Millsap BA, Cooper JL, Harmata AR, Restani M, Crandall RH, Bodenstein B, Bloom PH, Booms T, Buchweitz J, Culver R, Dickerson K, Domenech R, Dominguez-Villegas E, Driscoll D, Smith BW, Lockhart MJ, McRuer D, Miller TA, Ortiz PA, Rogers K, Schwarz M, Turley N, Woodbridge B, Finkelstein ME, Triana CA, DeSorbo CR, Katzner TE. Demographic implications of lead poisoning for eagles across North America. Science 2022; 375:779-782. [PMID: 35175813 DOI: 10.1126/science.abj3068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Lead poisoning occurs worldwide in populations of predatory birds, but exposure rates and population impacts are known only from regional studies. We evaluated the lead exposure of 1210 bald and golden eagles from 38 US states across North America, including 620 live eagles. We detected unexpectedly high frequencies of lead poisoning of eagles, both chronic (46 to 47% of bald and golden eagles, as measured in bone) and acute (27 to 33% of bald eagles and 7 to 35% of golden eagles, as measured in liver, blood, and feathers). Frequency of lead poisoning was influenced by age and, for bald eagles, by region and season. Continent-wide demographic modeling suggests that poisoning at this level suppresses population growth rates for bald eagles by 3.8% (95% confidence interval: 2.5%, 5.4%) and for golden eagles by 0.8% (0.7%, 0.9%). Lead poisoning is an underappreciated but important constraint on continent-wide populations of these iconic protected species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent A Slabe
- Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.,Conservation Science Global, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - James T Anderson
- James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center, Clemson University, Georgetown, SC, USA
| | - Brian A Millsap
- Division of Migratory Bird Management, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Alan R Harmata
- Ecology Department, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Travis Booms
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - John Buchweitz
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - David McRuer
- Wildlife Center of Virginia, Waynesboro, VA, USA.,Parks Canada, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Patricia A Ortiz
- US Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Krysta Rogers
- Wildlife Investigations Laboratory, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Rancho Cordova, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Myra E Finkelstein
- Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Christian A Triana
- Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | - Todd E Katzner
- US Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Boise, ID, USA
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Hanley BJ, Dhondt AA, Forzán MJ, Bunting EM, Pokras MA, Hynes KP, Dominguez‐Villegas E, Schuler KL. Environmental lead reduces the resilience of bald eagle populations. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brenda J. Hanley
- Wildlife Health Lab, Public and Ecosystem Health Department, College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University 240 Farrier Road Ithaca 14853 NY USA
| | - André A. Dhondt
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Cornell University 159 Sapsucker Woods Road Ithaca 14853 NY USA
| | - María J. Forzán
- Wildlife Health Lab, Public and Ecosystem Health Department, College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University 240 Farrier Road Ithaca 14853 NY USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Bunting
- Wildlife Health Lab, Public and Ecosystem Health Department, College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University 240 Farrier Road Ithaca 14853 NY USA
| | - Mark A. Pokras
- Wildlife Clinic & Center for Conservation Medicine, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine Tufts University 200 Westboro Road North Grafton 01536 MA USA
| | - Kevin P. Hynes
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 108 Game Farm Road Delmar 12054 NY USA
| | | | - Krysten L. Schuler
- Wildlife Health Lab, Public and Ecosystem Health Department, College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University 240 Farrier Road Ithaca 14853 NY USA
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Helander B, Krone O, Räikkönen J, Sundbom M, Ågren E, Bignert A. Major lead exposure from hunting ammunition in eagles from Sweden. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 795:148799. [PMID: 34246138 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to lead (Pb) from ammunition in scavenging and raptorial birds has achieved worldwide recognition based on incidences of lethal poisoning, but exposure implies also sublethal levels with potential harmful effects. Background and elevated Pb levels in liver from 116 golden eagles (GE, Aquila chrysaetos) and 200 white-tailed sea eagles (WTSE, Haliaeetus albicilla) from Sweden 2003-2011 are here examined, with supporting data from a previous WTSE report and eagle owl (EO, Bubu bubo) report. GE and WTSE display seasonal patterns, with no Pb level exceeding a generally accepted threshold for subclinical effects during summer but strongly elevated levels from October. Fledged juveniles show significantly lower levels than all other age classes, but reach levels found in older birds in autumn after the start of hunting seasons. Pb levels in EO (non-scavenger) show no seasonal changes and indicate no influence from ammunition, and are close to levels observed in juvenile eagles before October. In all, 15% WTSE and 7% GE were lethally poisoned. In areas with high-exposure to hunting ammunition, 24% of WTSE showed lethal Pb levels, compared to 7% in both eagle species from low-exposure areas. Lethal poisoning of WTSE remained as frequent after (15%) as before (13%) a partial ban on use of Pb-based shotgun ammunition over shallow waters (2002). Pb levels increased significantly in WTSE 1981-2011, in contrast to other biota from the same period. A significant decrease of Pb in WTSE liver occurred below a threshold at 0.25 μg/g (dry weight), exceeded by 81% of the birds. Trend patterns in Pb isotope ratios lend further support to this estimated cut-off level for environmental background concentrations. Pb from spent ammunition affects a range of scavenging and predatory species. A shift to Pb-free ammunition to save wildlife from unnecessary harm is an important environmental and ethical issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Helander
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Environmental Research & Monitoring (NRM), SE-10405 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Oliver Krone
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jannikke Räikkönen
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Environmental Research & Monitoring (NRM), SE-10405 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcus Sundbom
- Department of Environmental Science (ACES), Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Ågren
- National Veterinary Institute, Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases (SVA), SE-75189 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anders Bignert
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Environmental Research & Monitoring (NRM), SE-10405 Stockholm, Sweden
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10
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Sumasgutner P, Buij R, McClure CJW, Shaw P, Dykstra CR, Kumar N, Rutz C. Raptor research during the COVID-19 pandemic provides invaluable opportunities for conservation biology. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 2021; 260:109149. [PMID: 35722248 PMCID: PMC9188743 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2021.109149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Research is underway to examine how a wide range of animal species have responded to reduced levels of human activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this perspective article, we argue that raptors (i.e., the orders Accipitriformes, Cariamiformes, Cathartiformes, Falconiformes, and Strigiformes) are particularly well-suited for investigating potential 'anthropause' effects: they are sensitive to environmental perturbation, affected by various human activities, and include many locally and globally threatened species. Lockdowns likely alter extrinsic factors that normally limit raptor populations. These environmental changes are in turn expected to influence - mediated by behavioral and physiological responses - the intrinsic (demographic) factors that ultimately determine raptor population levels and distributions. Using this population-limitation framework, we identify a range of research opportunities and conservation challenges that have arisen during the pandemic, related to changes in human disturbance, light and noise pollution, collision risk, road-kill availability, supplementary feeding, and persecution levels. Importantly, raptors attract intense research interest, with many professional and amateur researchers running long-term monitoring programs, often incorporating community-science components, advanced tracking technology and field-methodological approaches that allow flexible timing, enabling continued data collection before, during, and after COVID-19 lockdowns. To facilitate and coordinate global collaboration, we are hereby launching the 'Global Anthropause Raptor Research Network' (GARRN). We invite the international raptor research community to join this inclusive and diverse group, to tackle ambitious analyses across geographic regions, ecosystems, species, and gradients of lockdown perturbation. Under the most tragic of circumstances, the COVID-19 anthropause has afforded an invaluable opportunity to significantly boost global raptor conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Sumasgutner
- Department of Behavioral & Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ralph Buij
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID 83709, USA
- Animal Ecology Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Phil Shaw
- Centre for Biological Diversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9TH, UK
| | | | - Nishant Kumar
- Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
- Mansfield College, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, UK
- Wildlife Institute of India, Uttarakhand 248001, India
| | - Christian Rutz
- Centre for Biological Diversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9TH, UK
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11
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Viner TC, Kagan RA. Lead Exposure is Unrelated to Wind Turbine Mortality in Golden Eagles. WILDLIFE SOC B 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tabitha C. Viner
- National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory 1490 E. Main Street Ashland OR 97520 USA
| | - Rebecca A. Kagan
- National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory 1490 E. Main Street Ashland OR 97520 USA
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12
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Ahmed MS, El-Neweshy MS. The impact of environmental lead exposure on Whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus): Pathological and immunohistochemical studies. BULGARIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.15547/bjvm.2019-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate the pathology of environmental lead (Pb) poisoning in Whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus). A number of 12 out 54 swans (22.2%) randomly collected from Honshu, Japan from June 2005 to July 2007 were affected with Pb poisoning. Affected swans showed stained vent with greenish watery diarrhoea and impacted crop. The presence of Pb shots in the gizzard (50%) was confirmed by X-ray, and all cases showed a dark greenish coloured liver. Microscopically, the pathology of Pb poisoning in swans was multisystemic. The severity of the lesions was the highest in the CNS followed by the liver, kidney, spleen, lungs, gizzard, heart, bone marrow respectively and was the least in the peripheral nervous system. CNS lesions were cerebral haemorrhage, malacia, and spongiosis with astrocytic activation and increased neurofilaments accumulations. In addition, there were hepatic and renal hemosiderosis and apoptosis, hepatic granuloma, interstitial pneumonia, gizzard and myocardial necrosis and bone marrow hypoplasia. Chemical analysis of the Pb content in liver and kidneys ranged from 8.18 to 60.6 µg/g, respectively. The extent and severity of lesions varied among individuals and were mostly dose-dependent. Finally, these findings improved the diagnostic procedure of Pb poisoning in free-living Whooper swans.
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Descalzo E, Camarero PR, Sánchez-Barbudo IS, Martinez-Haro M, Ortiz-Santaliestra ME, Moreno-Opo R, Mateo R. Integrating active and passive monitoring to assess sublethal effects and mortality from lead poisoning in birds of prey. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 750:142260. [PMID: 33182217 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The ingestion of lead (Pb) ammunition is the most important exposure pathway to this metal in birds and involve negative consequences to their health. We have performed a passive monitoring of Pb poisoning in birds of prey by measuring liver (n = 727) and blood (n = 32) Pb levels in individuals of 16 species found dead or sick in Spain between 2004 and 2020. We also performed an active monitoring by measuring blood Pb levels and biomarkers of haem biosynthesis, phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) metabolism, oxidative stress and immune function in individuals (n = 194) of 9 species trapped alive in the field between 2016 and 2017. Passive monitoring results revealed some species with liver Pb levels associated with severe clinical poisoning (>30 μg/g d.w. of Pb): Eurasian griffon vulture (27/257, 10.5%), red kite (1/132, 0.8%), golden eagle (4/38, 10.5%), and Northern goshawk (1/8, 12.5%). The active monitoring results showed that individuals of bearded vulture (1/3, 33.3%), Eurasian griffon vulture (87/118, 73.7%), Spanish imperial eagle (1/6, 16.7%) and red kite (1/18, 5.6%) had abnormal blood Pb levels (>20 μg/dL). Blood Pb levels increased with age, and both monitoring methods showed seasonality in Pb exposure associated with a delayed effect of the hunting season. In Eurasian griffon, blood Pb concentration was associated with lower δ-ALAD activity in blood and P levels in plasma, and with higher blood lipid peroxidation and plasma carotenoid levels in agreement with other experimental and field studies in Pb-exposed birds. The study reveals that Pb poisoning is a significant cause of death and sublethal effects on haem biosynthesis, P metabolism and oxidative stress in birds of prey in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Descalzo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pablo R Camarero
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Inés S Sánchez-Barbudo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Mónica Martinez-Haro
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal (IRIAF), CIAG del Chaparrillo, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Manuel E Ortiz-Santaliestra
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Rubén Moreno-Opo
- Subdirección General de Biodiversidad Terrestre y Marina, Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico Pza, San Juan de la Cruz s/n, 28071, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
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Simon KL, Best DA, Sikarskie JG, Pittman HT, Bowerman WW, Cooley TM, Stolz S. Sources of Mortality in Bald Eagles in Michigan, 1986–2017. J Wildl Manage 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kendall L. Simon
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Field Office 4 East Jimmie Leeds Road, Suite 4 Galloway NJ 08205 USA
| | - David A. Best
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service—retired, Ecological Services Field Office 2651 Coolidge Road, Suite 101 East Lansing MI 48823 USA
| | - James G. Sikarskie
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences—retiredCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University 736 Wilson Road East Lansing MI 48824 USA
| | - H. Tyler Pittman
- University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Marion County Extension 2232 NE Jacksonville Road Ocala FL 34470 USA
| | - William W. Bowerman
- University of Maryland, Department of Environmental Science and Technology 1426 Animal Sciences Building College Park MD 20742 USA
| | - Thomas M. Cooley
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Disease Laboratory 4125 Beaumont Rd. Room 250 Lansing MI 48910‐8106 USA
| | - Scott Stolz
- Ramboll 2260 E. Saginaw Street East Lansing MI 48823 USA
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Helander B, Sundbom M, Runkel AA, Bignert A. Temporal Changes in Concentrations of Lead and Other Trace Metals in Free-Ranging Eurasian Eagle Owls Bubo bubo in Sweden. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 77:377-389. [PMID: 31312864 PMCID: PMC6731201 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-019-00654-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Patterns of lead and other trace metals were examined in 122 Eurasian eagle owls Bubo bubo found dead in Sweden in the period 1978-2013. Environmental lead (Pb) has decreased over recent decades from reduced anthropogenic emissions but mortality by Pb poisoning is still frequently reported for avian raptors and scavengers exposed to Pb ammunition. One objective here was to determine if Pb concentrations in a nocturnal non-scavenging raptor follow the general decline observed in other biota. Pb concentration in owl liver was significantly correlated with body weight, sex, latitude, longitude and season. Pb showed a significant decreasing trend towards north and west. Starved birds had significantly higher concentrations. Total Pb concentrations in liver averaged 0.179 μg g-1 dry weight (median 0.103) and decreased by 5.6% per year 1978-2013, or 5.3% after adjustment for confounding factors, similar to trends in other species. Among 14 other trace elements only antimony and arsenic showed decreasing trends. Lead isotope ratios 206Pb/207Pb and 208Pb/207Pb increased from 1.138 and 2.408 in 1978-1985 to 1.170 and 2.435 in 2010-2013, respectively, demonstrating that the decreasing Pb concentration in eagle owl is related to the phase-out of leaded gasoline in Europe, where Pb additives had much lower isotope ratios than natural lead in Swedish soils. Only one incidence of suspected Pb poisoning (40.7 μg g-1 in liver) was observed indicating that poisoning from ingestion of metallic lead is rare (< 1%) in eagle owl in Sweden, in contrast to what has been reported for eagles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Helander
- Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, 104 05, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Marcus Sundbom
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agneta A Runkel
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anders Bignert
- Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, 104 05, Stockholm, Sweden
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González F, Camacho M, Tiburón NP, Peña MZ, Rueda LR, Luzardo OP. Suitability of anodic stripping voltammetry for routine analysis of venous blood from raptors. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2019; 38:737-747. [PMID: 30556155 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) poisoning is a significant threat faced by raptors. Hence, rapid Pb diagnosis has become a priority during the admission of raptors in wildlife recovery centers, and bench-top analyzers, such as LeadCare II ®, are routinely employed for this purpose. However, this device has been designed for conducting analyses of human blood Pb levels (BLLs), and the validity of this methodology for whole blood from raptors has, to date, rarely been assessed. In addition, a recent recall by the US Food and Drug Administration has recommended discontinuing the use of this analyzer for human venous blood because it may underestimate the BLL. We evaluated the precision of BLL measurements taken with LeadCare II by comparing them with those obtained with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Our sample contained venous blood from 105 raptors belonging to 4 species. The results showed a good correlation between the 2 techniques (Spearman's r = 0.927, p < 0.0001). The mean BLL with ICP-MS was 19.6 μg/dL; it was found to be 18.7 μg/dL with LeadCare II. A Bland-Altman analysis indicated that the bias between the mean differences was only 0.5 μg/dL, but it had a high standard deviation of bias (5.7 μg/dL) and 95% limits of agreement from -10.75 to 11.74 μg/dL. The present results indicated that LeadCare II has an overall sensitivity of 71.8% and a positive predictive value of 76.3%. The specificity of LeadCare II for detecting animals with low BLL (<3.4 μg/dL) was 96.4%, and the negative predictive value (the probability that a value below the limit of detection of LeadCare II has a true correspondence with the actual value) was 100%. The present results indicated that, although LeadCare II might be imperfect in the estimation of BLLs in raptors, it performs reasonably well and might be employed in the clinical setting to assess patients potentially suffering from Pb poisoning. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:737-747. © 2018 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando González
- Grupo de Rehabilitación de la Fauna Autóctona y su Hábitat (GREFA), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Study Group on Wild Animal Conservation Medicine (GEMAS), Spain
| | - María Camacho
- Study Group on Wild Animal Conservation Medicine (GEMAS), Spain
| | - Natalia Pastor Tiburón
- Grupo de Rehabilitación de la Fauna Autóctona y su Hábitat (GREFA), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Study Group on Wild Animal Conservation Medicine (GEMAS), Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado Peña
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Luis Revuelta Rueda
- Study Group on Wild Animal Conservation Medicine (GEMAS), Spain
- Veterinary Faculty, University Complutense of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Study Group on Wild Animal Conservation Medicine (GEMAS), Spain
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Madrid, Spain
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17
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Schulz JH, Wilhelm Stanis SA, Webb EB, Li CJ, Hall DM. Communication strategies for reducing lead poisoning in wildlife and human health risks. WILDLIFE SOC B 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John H. Schulz
- School of Natural ResourcesUniversity of Missouri105 Anheuser‐Busch Natural Resources BuildingColumbiaMO65211USA
| | - Sonja A. Wilhelm Stanis
- School of Natural ResourcesUniversity of Missouri105 Anheuser‐Busch Natural Resources BuildingColumbiaMO65211USA
| | - Elisabeth B. Webb
- U.S. Geological SurveyMissouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit302 Anheuser‐Busch Natural Resources BuildingColumbiaMO65211USA
| | - Christine Jie Li
- School of Natural ResourcesUniversity of Missouri105 Anheuser‐Busch Natural Resources BuildingColumbiaMO65211USA
| | - Damon M. Hall
- School of Natural Resources & Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Missouri105 Anheuser‐Busch Natural Resources BuildingColumbiaMO65211USA
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18
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Manning LK, Wünschmann A, Armién AG, Willette M, MacAulay K, Bender JB, Buchweitz JP, Redig P. Lead Intoxication in Free-Ranging Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Vet Pathol 2018; 56:289-299. [DOI: 10.1177/0300985818813099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Lead toxicity due to ingestion of spent ammunition is an ongoing cause of mortality in bald eagles. While gross and histologic lesions of lead intoxication have been described in a few individuals of this species, the prevalence of lesions is underreported. A retrospective study of 93 bald eagles with severe lead intoxication was performed to describe the associated lesions and their prevalence and to compare the lesions with blood, liver, kidney, and/or bone lead concentrations. Gross lesions associated with lead toxicity were most frequent within the heart (51/93 birds) and consisted of multifocal myocardial pallor and rounding of the apex. Within the brain, gross lesions included petechiae or hemorrhagic necrosis (13/93 birds). Histologic lesions compatible with lead toxicity occurred within the heart (76/93 birds), brain (59/93 birds), and eyes (24/87 birds). Lead toxicity in bald eagles is characterized by fibrinoid necrosis of small- to medium-caliber arteries, most commonly affecting the heart, brain, and eyes. Gross and histologic lesions are consistent with ischemia caused by a primary vascular injury. A blood lead concentration of greater than 4 ppm and markedly elevated liver lead concentrations were associated with a greater likelihood of lesions in the heart. Severe lead intoxication is frequently associated with lesions that are histologically detectable in bald eagles. The presence of fibrinoid arterial necrosis and parenchymal degeneration, necrosis, and/or hemorrhage within the heart, brain, and/or eyes is suggestive of lead toxicity in bald eagles and warrants evaluation of liver or bone lead concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah K. Manning
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Arno Wünschmann
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Anibal G. Armién
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Jeff B. Bender
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - John P. Buchweitz
- Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, Michigan State University, MI, USA
| | - Patrick Redig
- The Raptor Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
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Isomursu M, Koivusaari J, Stjernberg T, Hirvelä-Koski V, Venäläinen ER. Lead poisoning and other human-related factors cause significant mortality in white-tailed eagles. AMBIO 2018; 47:858-868. [PMID: 29600487 PMCID: PMC6230332 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-018-1052-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) suffered a severe population decline due to environmental pollutants in the Baltic Sea area ca. 50 years ago but has since been recovering. The main threats for the white-tailed eagle in Finland are now often related to human activities. We examined the human impact on the white-tailed eagle by determining mortality factors of 123 carcasses collected during 2000-2014. Routine necropsy with chemical analyses for lead and mercury were done on all carcasses. We found human-related factors accounting for 60% of the causes of death. The most important of these was lead poisoning (31% of all cases) followed by human-related accidents (e.g. electric power lines and traffic) (24%). The temporal and regional patterns of occurrence of lead poisonings suggested spent lead ammunition as the source. Lead shot was found in the gizzards of some lead-poisoned birds. Scavenging behaviour exposes the white-tailed eagle to lead from spent ammunition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marja Isomursu
- Wild and Aquatic Animal Pathology Section, Veterinary Bacteriology and Pathology Research Unit, Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira, Elektroniikkatie 3, 90590 Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Torsten Stjernberg
- Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki, PB 17, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Varpu Hirvelä-Koski
- Wild and Aquatic Animal Pathology Section, Veterinary Bacteriology and Pathology Research Unit, Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira, Elektroniikkatie 3, 90590 Oulu, Finland
| | - Eija-Riitta Venäläinen
- Chemistry Research Unit, Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira, Mustialankatu 3, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
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20
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Bruggeman JE, Route WT, Redig PT, Key RL. Patterns and trends in lead (Pb) concentrations in bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nestlings from the western Great Lakes region. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2018; 27:605-618. [PMID: 29637398 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-018-1933-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Most studies examining bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) exposure to lead (Pb) have focused on adults that ingested spent Pb ammunition during the fall hunting season, often at clinical or lethal levels. We sampled live bald eagle nestlings along waterbodies to quantify Pb concentrations in 3 national park units and 2 nearby study areas in the western Great Lakes region. We collected 367 bald eagle nestling feather samples over 8 years during spring 2006-2015 and 188 whole blood samples over 4 years during spring 2010-2015. We used Tobit regression models to quantify relationships between Pb concentrations in nestling feathers and blood using study area, year, and nestling attributes as covariates. Pb in nestling feather samples decreased from 2006 to 2015, but there was no trend for Pb in blood samples. Pb concentrations in nestling feather and blood samples were significantly higher in study areas located closer to and within urban areas. Pb in feather and blood samples from the same nestling was positively correlated. Pb in feathers increased with nestling age, but this relationship was not observed for blood. Our results reflect how Pb accumulates in tissues as nestlings grow, with Pb in feathers and blood indexing exposure during feather development and before sampling, respectively. Some nestlings had Pb concentrations in blood that suggested a greater risk to sublethal effects from Pb exposure. Our data provides baselines for Pb concentrations in feathers and blood of nestling bald eagles from a variety of waterbody types spanning remote, lightly populated, and human-dominated landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason E Bruggeman
- Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA.
| | - William T Route
- U.S. National Park Service, Great Lakes Inventory and Monitoring Network, Ashland, WI, 54806, USA
| | - Patrick T Redig
- The Raptor Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Rebecca L Key
- U.S. National Park Service, Great Lakes Inventory and Monitoring Network, Ashland, WI, 54806, USA
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21
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Martin PA, Hughes KD, Campbell GD, Shutt JL. Metals and Organohalogen Contaminants in Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) from Ontario, 1991-2008. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 74:305-317. [PMID: 29164278 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0479-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
We examined the degree of exposure of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and several organohalogen contaminants and its potential impact on survival of bald eagles in Ontario from 1991 to 2008. Overall, results for 43 dead or dying bald eagles collected in the province indicate that 23% (10/43) of birds died of Pb poisoning and 9% (4/43) died of suspected Hg poisoning. Pb poisoning was diagnosed based on exceedances of toxicity thresholds in liver and kidney and supported by clinical observations, necropsy results, and histology findings when available. Evidence for Hg poisoning in eagles was limited; however, Hg concentrations exceeded the toxicity threshold in kidney. Pb concentrations ranged widely in liver and kidney. Total Hg concentrations were relatively higher in kidney compared with liver and were significantly correlated with selenium (Se) concentrations in both tissues. Concentrations of p,p'-DDE and sum PCBs in livers of 12 bald eagles collected from 2001 to 2004 were likely below concentrations associated with adverse effects. Hepatic concentrations of total polybrominated diphenyl ethers were generally higher in birds collected from southern Ontario compared with northern Ontario. Potential impacts of exposure to these flame retardants and others are not known. Elevated metal exposure appears to influence survivorship and may affect the recovery of bald eagles in the province, particularly in southern Ontario and along the Great Lakes where a disproportionate number of poisoned eagles were collected. Increased efforts are needed to identify sources of exposure and develop measures to reduce metal exposure in this top predator.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Martin
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada.
| | - K D Hughes
- Broadwing Biological Consulting, 1944 Parkside Drive, Pickering, ON, L1V 3N5, Canada
| | - G D Campbell
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - J L Shutt
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 335 River Road, Ottawa, ON, K1V 1C7, Canada
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INFLUENCE OF SNOWFALL ON BLOOD LEAD LEVELS OF FREE-FLYING BALD EAGLES (HALIAEETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS) IN THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY. J Wildl Dis 2017; 53:816-823. [DOI: 10.7589/2017-02-027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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23
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González F, López I, Suarez L, Moraleda V, Rodríguez C. Levels of blood lead in Griffon vultures from a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Spain. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2017; 143:143-150. [PMID: 28528317 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Lead is considered a highly toxic contaminant with important impacts to bird wildlife. Griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) are a sensitive indicator of the level of environmental contamination due to their position at the top of the food chain and their dependence on human activities. The aim of this study was to assess susceptibility to lead intoxication in Griffon vultures admitted to Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers (WRC), measuring blood lead levels and determining if blood lead concentrations are related to clinical signs, hematological, biochemical or radiographic findings. Also, the influence of age, gender, body condition, season and primary cause of admission were evaluated. This study was realized in all Griffon vultures admitted during a period of one year in the Rehabilitation Center GREFA. Blood lead levels are measured by using anodic stripping voltammetry. In Griffon vultures, we observed that 26% of the analyzed birds presented lead levels above 20µg/dL with 74% below 20µg/dL ([Pb]<20 =9.34±5.60µg/dL). In our study, statistically significant differences were found for lead according to sex, season of admission to the center and body condition. A negative correlation was found between levels of metal and hematocrit. No association was found between clinical signs and blood lead levels in Griffon vultures, except for digestive signs as stasis and weight loss. On numerous occasions, the intoxication in this specie is related to ingestion of lead ammunition; however, we have not detected radiographic lead in our vultures. Compared with other studies, we generally found low levels of lead in blood of Griffon vultures but the blood of all birds admitted to WRC presented detectable lead concentrations. This species apparently presents a higher sensibility to the toxic effects of this metal than that described by other authors. It have been observed that there is some evidence that suggests that subclinical levels of lead could be related with a predisposition to injury or diseases, even though these birds might be admitted for other causes. The detection of levels of blood lead in animals that are admitted to a recovery center will give valuable information which could be used to monitor spatial and temporal variations and provide a clearer picture of temporal levels of this contaminant in this emblematic avian specie.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando González
- GREFA (Grupo de Rehabilitación de la Fauna Autóctona y su Hábitat), Ctra. Monte del Pilar, s/n, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Irene López
- GREFA (Grupo de Rehabilitación de la Fauna Autóctona y su Hábitat), Ctra. Monte del Pilar, s/n, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Suarez
- GREFA (Grupo de Rehabilitación de la Fauna Autóctona y su Hábitat), Ctra. Monte del Pilar, s/n, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Virginia Moraleda
- GREFA (Grupo de Rehabilitación de la Fauna Autóctona y su Hábitat), Ctra. Monte del Pilar, s/n, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Casilda Rodríguez
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Lead Poisoning in Bald Eagles Admitted to Wildlife Rehabilitation Facilities in Iowa, 2004–2014. JOURNAL OF FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 2017. [DOI: 10.3996/122015-jfwm-124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Eleven years (2004–2014) of bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus data from four independent, state and federally permitted wildlife rehabilitators in Iowa were assessed for the prevalence of elevated lead levels in blood or tissue samples. The relationship between blood lead concentrations and recorded information (age, season, radiographs, and clinical outcome) was investigated. Adult birds had higher blood lead concentrations than immature and juvenile birds. Highest blood lead levels were found during October–January. Bald eagles with positive radiographs for metallic opacities in the digestive tract had higher blood and tissue lead concentrations than those with negative results or those on which no radiograph was performed. Metallic opacities were identified through necropsy. Bald eagles with elevated levels of lead were associated with poor clinical outcomes, indicating that blood lead concentrations could be used as a predictor of clinical outcome.
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Herring G, Eagles-Smith CA, Wagner MT. Ground Squirrel Shooting and Potential Lead Exposure in Breeding Avian Scavengers. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167926. [PMID: 27942006 PMCID: PMC5152858 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recreational ground squirrel shooting is a popular activity throughout the western United States and serves as a tool for managing ground squirrel populations in agricultural regions. Belding's ground squirrels (Spermophilus beldingi) are routinely shot in California, Nevada, and Oregon across habitats that overlap with breeding avian scavengers. Ground squirrels shot with lead (Pb)-based bullets may pose a risk to avian scavengers if they consume carcasses containing Pb fragments. To assess the potential risk to breeding avian scavengers we developed a model to estimate the number, mass, and distribution of Pb fragments in shot ground squirrels using radiographic images. Eighty percent of shot carcasses contained detectible Pb fragments with an average of 38.6 mg of Pb fragments. Seven percent of all carcasses contained Pb fragment masses exceeding a lethal dose for a model raptor nestling (e.g. American kestrel Falco sparverius). Bullet type did not influence the number of fragments in shot ground squirrels, but did influence the mass of fragments retained. Belding's ground squirrels shot with .17 Super Mag and unknown ammunition types contained over 28 and 17 times more mass of Pb fragments than those shot with .22 solid and .22 hollow point bullets, respectively. Ground squirrel body mass was positively correlated with both the number and mass of Pb fragments in carcasses, increasing on average by 76% and 56% respectively across the range of carcass masses. Although the mass of Pb retained in ground squirrel carcasses was small relative to the original bullet mass, avian scavenger nestlings that frequently consume shot ground squirrels may be at risk for Pb-induced effects (e.g., physiology, growth, or survival). Using modeling efforts we found that if nestling golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), and Swainson's hawks (B. swainsoni) consumed shot ground squirrels proportionately to the nestling's mass, energy needs, and diet, 100% of the nestling period would exceed a 50% reduction in delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase production threshold, the last 13-27% of the nestling stage would exceed a reduced growth rate threshold, but no nestlings would be expected to exceed a level of Pb ingestion that would be lethal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garth Herring
- United States Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, OR, United States of America
| | - Collin A. Eagles-Smith
- United States Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, OR, United States of America
| | - Mason T. Wagner
- Oregon State University, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Corvallis, OR, United States of America
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Eid R, Guzman DSM, Keller KA, Wiggans KT, Murphy CJ, LaDouceur EEB, Keel MK, Reilly CM. Choroidal Vasculopathy and Retinal Detachment in a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) With Lead Toxicosis. J Avian Med Surg 2016; 30:357-363. [DOI: 10.1647/2015122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Golden NH, Warner SE, Coffey MJ. A Review and Assessment of Spent Lead Ammunition and Its Exposure and Effects to Scavenging Birds in the United States. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 237:123-191. [PMID: 26613991 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-23573-8_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy H Golden
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA, 22041, USA.
| | - Sarah E Warner
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 505 Science Drive, Madison, WI, 53717, USA
| | - Michael J Coffey
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, 4503 West DeYoung, Suite 102, Marion, IL, 62959, USA
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Reiter-Marolf WJ, Dinsmore SJ, Blanchong JA. An evaluation of excrement as an alternative to blood for characterizing lead exposure in bald eagles. WILDLIFE SOC B 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen J. Dinsmore
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management; Iowa State University; Ames IA 50011 USA
| | - Julie A. Blanchong
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management; Iowa State University; Ames IA 50011 USA
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