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Maruyama M, Ushine N, Watanabe Y, Ishii C, Saito K, Sakai H, Kuritani T, Doya R, Ogasawara K, Ikenaka Y, Yohannes YB, Ishizuka M, Nakayama SMM. Current situation of lead (Pb) exposure in raptors and waterfowl in Japan and difference in sensitivity to in vitro lead exposure among avian species. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 349:123907. [PMID: 38582185 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Although lead (Pb) poisoning in wild birds has been considered a serious problem in Japan for over 30 years, there is little information about Pb exposure and its sources throughout Japan except for Hokkaido. Furthermore, to identify and effectively prioritize the conservation needs of highly vulnerable species, differences in sensitivity to Pb exposure among avian species need to be determined. Therefore, we investigated the current situation of Pb exposure in raptors (13 species, N = 82), waterfowl (eight species, N = 44) and crows (one species, N = 6) using concentration and isotope analysis. We employed blood or tissue samples collected in various Japanese facilities mainly in 2022 or 2023. We also carried out a comparative study of blood δ-ALAD sensitivity to in vitro Pb exposure using blood of nine avian species. Pb concentrations in the blood or tissues displayed increased levels (>0.1 μg/g blood) in two raptors (2.4%), ten waterfowl (23%) and one crow (17%). Among them, poisoning levels (>0.6 μg/g blood) were found in one black kite and one common teal. The sources of Pb isotope ratios in ten blood samples with high Pb levels were determined as deriving from shot pellets (N = 9) or rifle bullets (N = 1). In the δ-ALAD study, red-crowned crane showed the highest sensitivity among the nine tested avian species and was followed in order by five Accipitriformes species (including white-tailed and Steller's sea eagle), Blakiston's fish owl, Muscovy duck and chicken, suggesting a genetically driven variance in susceptibility. Further studies on contamination conditions and exposure sources are urgently needed to inform strict regulations on the usage of Pb ammunition. Furthermore, detailed examinations of δ-ALAD sensitivity, interspecific differences, and other factors involved in the variability in sensitivity to Pb are required to identify and prioritize highly sensitive species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizuki Maruyama
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Nana Ushine
- Laboratory of Animal Welfare, Department of Animal Health Technology, Yamazaki University of Animal Health Technology, 4-7-2 Minami Osawa, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo, 192-0364, Japan
| | - Yukiko Watanabe
- Institute for Raptor Biomedicine Japan, Hokuto 2-2101, Kushiro, Hokkaido, 084-0922, Japan
| | - Chihiro Ishii
- Institute for Raptor Biomedicine Japan, Hokuto 2-2101, Kushiro, Hokkaido, 084-0922, Japan
| | - Keisuke Saito
- Institute for Raptor Biomedicine Japan, Hokuto 2-2101, Kushiro, Hokkaido, 084-0922, Japan
| | | | - Takeshi Kuritani
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University, Kita 10 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan
| | - Rio Doya
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Kohei Ogasawara
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Ikenaka
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan; Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2531, South Africa; Translational Research Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan; One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yared Beyene Yohannes
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Mayumi Ishizuka
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Shouta M M Nakayama
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan; School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, 10101, Zambia.
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Eduardo A. Díaz, Carolina Sáenz, E. Santiago Jiménez, David A. Egas, Kelly Swing. Is release of rehabilitated wildlife with embedded lead ammunition advisable? Plumbism in a Jaguar Panthera Onca (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae), survivor of gunshot wounds. JOURNAL OF THREATENED TAXA 2021. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.5777.13.12.19808-19812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Lead poisoning is a threat to wildlife, particularly after ingestion of lead ammunition derived from hunting activities. Little information, however, is available concerning plumbism in wild animals that survive the trauma associated with gunshot wounds. This study presents a possible example of lead intoxication by embedded pellets in a Jaguar Panthera onca nineteen months after being injured by a shotgun blast. In addition, the possible path of incorporation of lead into the trophic chain after the eventual release and death of an impacted animal, thereby expanding and prolonging the toxic effects of lead ammunition, is discussed. Direct intoxication by ammunition retained in the body of wild animals, as well as the indirect impacts on predators and scavengers that consume their flesh, should be sufficient reasons to reconsider the release of individuals with embedded lead ammunition into the wild.
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Guthrie AL, Jayson SL, Strike TB, Sparrow SJ, Flach EJ, Szladovits B. Diagnosis and Treatment of Heavy Metal Toxicosis in Six Waldrapp Ibis ( Geronticus eremita). J Avian Med Surg 2021; 34:371-380. [PMID: 33355415 DOI: 10.1647/1082-6742-34.4.371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Six adult Waldrapp ibis (Geronticus eremita) were presented with heavy metal toxicosis secondary to paint chip ingestion after being placed in an indoor confinement enclosure because of a regional highly pathogenic avian influenza epornitic and government restrictions. Four of the ibis developed clinical disease signs between 45 and 64 days of confinement, including weakness, lethargy, inability to fly, low body condition, and bilateral wing droop while 2 birds appeared to remain normal during that period. Common clinicopathological findings included elevated plasma aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and bile acids values. Erythrocyte morphological changes included prominent hypochromasia, decreased size of polychromatophils with occasional cytoplasmic stippling, abnormal shapes, and D cells. Whole-body radiographic imaging revealed particulate radio-opaque material in the ventriculus of all affected birds. One bird died before chelation therapy could be instituted and heavy metal testing of the liver revealed increased concentrations of lead and zinc. Lead toxicosis was diagnosed in the 5 remaining birds by plasma lead analysis. These 5 birds were hospitalized for an average of 40 days and treated with sodium calcium edetate and fluid therapy, which resulted in resolution of the toxicosis. Plasma biochemistry, complete blood counts, and blood lead values were performed repeatedly on all 5 birds and were used to guide therapy and monitor treatment response. This case series emphasizes the importance of early contingency planning and reviews the treatment of lead toxicosis in birds with a focus on long-term clinical monitoring and hematology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Guthrie
- Zoological Society of London London Zoo, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK,
| | - Stephanie L Jayson
- Zoological Society of London London Zoo, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Taina B Strike
- Zoological Society of London London Zoo, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Sophie J Sparrow
- Zoological Society of London London Zoo, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Edmund J Flach
- Zoological Society of London London Zoo, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Balazs Szladovits
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
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Pain DJ, Mateo R, Green RE. Effects of lead from ammunition on birds and other wildlife: A review and update. AMBIO 2019; 48:935-953. [PMID: 30879267 PMCID: PMC6675766 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-019-01159-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Poisoning of wild birds following ingestion of lead from ammunition has long been recognised and considerable recent research has focused on terrestrial birds, including raptors and scavengers. This paper builds upon previous reviews and finds that both the number of taxa affected and geographical spread of cases has increased. Some lead may also be absorbed from embedded ammunition fragments in injured birds which risk sub-lethal and welfare effects. Some papers suggest inter-specific differences in sensitivity to lead, although it is difficult to disentangle these from other factors that influence effect severity. Sub-lethal effects have been found at lower blood lead concentrations than previously reported, suggesting that previous effect-level 'thresholds' should be abandoned or revised. Lead poisoning is estimated to kill a million wildfowl a year in Europe and cause sub-lethal poisoning in another ≥ 3 million. Modelling and correlative studies have supported the potential for population-level effects of lead poisoning in wildfowl, terrestrial birds, raptors and scavengers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah J. Pain
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ UK
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT UK
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Toxicología de Fauna Silvestre, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Rhys E. Green
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ UK
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