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Jota Baptista C, Seixas F, Gonzalo-Orden JM, Patinha C, Pato P, Ferreira da Silva E, Merino-Goyenechea LJ, Oliveira PA. Heavy metals and metalloids in wild boars (Sus Scrofa) - a silent but serious public health hazard. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1015-1023. [PMID: 38052737 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10272-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Wild boars (Sus scrofa) are part of the hunting economy and are highly consumed in the Iberian Peninsula, including in the Castile and Leon regions. As zoonotic diseases, chemical pollutants in wild boars' internal tissues should be interpreted as evidence of environmental contamination and a matter of concern for animal, human and ecosystem health; in other words, a One Health concern. Twenty-eight wild boars' livers and kidneys (n = 28) from Castile and Leon were submitted to metal(loid) determination (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry (ICP-MS) and histopathological exam. Cd levels, especially in the kidneys (7.063 ± 7.271 mg/kg dw), were the most concerning results, considering the calculated maximum values for consumption (EC No. 915/2023) (2.491 mg/kg dw or 1.0 mg/kg ww). Wild boars with hydropic changes in the liver presented higher concentrations of Ni. Thus, the metal(loid) contamination of wild boar carcasses seems to be a "no trace" but very relevant problem that should raise awareness of a more accurate monitoring program and other strategies to avoid public health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Jota Baptista
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (ECAV), Universidade de Trás- os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal.
- Centro de Investigação das Tecnologias Agroambientais e Biológicas (CITAB- Inov4Agro), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal.
- Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, León, Spain.
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias (FMV-ULHT), Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Fernanda Seixas
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (ECAV), Universidade de Trás- os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
- Centro de Ciência Animal e Veterinária (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), UTAD, Quinta de Prados, Vila Real, 5000-801, Portugal
| | | | - Carla Patinha
- GEOBIOTEC & Departamento de Geociências, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pedro Pato
- GEOBIOTEC & Departamento de Geociências, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | | | - Paula A Oliveira
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (ECAV), Universidade de Trás- os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação das Tecnologias Agroambientais e Biológicas (CITAB- Inov4Agro), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
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Gonzálvez M, Paniagua J, Jiménez-Martín D, Cano-Terriza D, Castro-Scholten S, Barbero-Moyano J, Jiménez-Ruiz S, García-Bocanegra I. Monitoring the dynamics of consumption of ungulate game by-products in vulture feeding stations in Iberian Mediterranean ecosystems. Res Vet Sci 2023; 164:105026. [PMID: 37776609 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105026] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Vulture feeding stations (VFS) are strategic sites for the management of ungulate game by-products, with major implications for the conservation of obligate avian scavengers. These feeding points are designed to prevent access by facultative mammalian scavengers and to reduce the risk of trophically transmitted pathogen infection through scavenging behaviour. The aim of this study, using camera trap video recordings, was to evaluate the feeding dynamics around 32 lots of ungulate game by-products deposited in VFS in southern Spain. During the study period (2017-2022), 11 different avian and mammal scavenger species was detected. Also, many feeding events involving all scavenger species (51.1%; 362/709) and mammal scavenger species (23.4%; 166/709) was recorded. A significantly earlier presence of major obligate scavengers (Gyps fulvus and Aegypius monachus) (P = 0.023) and a lower persistence of by-products deposited (P < 0.001) were detected during October-December compared to January-March. Our results confirm that VFS play an important role in vulture conservation in Iberian Mediterranean ecosystems. However, we also point out the potential risk of VFS as hotspots of foodborne pathogens for mammal scavengers, particularly when the hunting offal persists longer. Consequently, we urge the competent authorities to update the regulations affecting VFS management, and hunting estate managers to make every effort to correctly apply those preventing scavenging mammals from gaining access to VFS. Further studies tackling access of non-target species to VFS are also warranted to properly assess the sanitary implications and geographical extent of these problems for mammal species inhabiting areas where VFS are installed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés Gonzálvez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Jorge Paniagua
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Débora Jiménez-Martín
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sabrina Castro-Scholten
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jesús Barbero-Moyano
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Saúl Jiménez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources & Associated Laboratory (CIBIO-InBIO), Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning (BIOPOLIS), University of Porto, Vairão 4485-661, Portugal.
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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3
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McCreesh K, Yaffy D, Spiro S, Patterson S, Guthrie AL. A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY OF CAPTIVE NORTHERN BALD IBIS ( GERONTICUS EREMITA), AFRICAN SACRED IBIS ( THRESKIORNIS AETHIOPICUS), AND SCARLET IBIS ( EUDOCIMUS RUBER) HOUSED AT THE LONDON ZOO FROM 2000 TO 2020. J Zoo Wildl Med 2023; 54:94-101. [PMID: 36971633 DOI: 10.1638/2021-0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Necropsy (n = 144) and medical (n = 121) records of captive northern bald ibis (NBI; Geronticus eremita), African sacred ibis (ASI; Threskiornis aethiopicus), and scarlet ibis (SCI; Eudocimus ruber) housed at the Zoological Society of London's London Zoo (LZ) from 2000 to 2020 were reviewed. Pododermatitis was a common cause of morbidity in all species (79 cases in 247 examinations). Trauma (58 of 144), the majority being caused by suspected collisions with stationary objects in the zoo's habitats, infectious diseases (32 of 144), predominantly valvular endocarditis (10 of 32), and aspergillosis (9 of 32) were major causes of mortality. The odds of a morbidity being related to toxicosis were 4.4 times greater in NBI than for ASI (95% CI, 1.5-13.3; P < 0.05); all cases in the NBI were plumbism. Overall, females of all species had 3.4 times greater odds of undetermined morbidity than males (95% CI, 1.5-7.9; P < 0.05), and the majority (16 of 25) were birds that were thin without an apparent cause. Nestlings had 11.3 times greater odds of nutritional morbidity than adults (95% CI, 1.7-73.0) and 5.5 times greater than juveniles (95% CI, 0.7-41.0; P < 0.05). These data have identified areas that require further study in the population of NBI, ASI, and SCI held at LZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle McCreesh
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Dylan Yaffy
- Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Spiro
- Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Patterson
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda L Guthrie
- Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom,
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Melhado G, Pedrobom L JH, Menegário AA, Herrera Montalvo LG, Cruz-Neto AP. Lead exposure does not affect baseline and induced innate immunity in quails. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 337:527-536. [PMID: 35189040 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2586] [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: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is one of the most common metals found in ecosystems in elevated concentrations derived mainly from anthropogenic activities. Pb toxicity is of special concern in birds due to its capacity for bioaccumulation in the liver, bones, and kidneys causing physiological disruptions. Such disruptions can be lethal in a few days after Pb acute intoxication and they are associated with several million deaths of birds. Moreover, Pb may work as an immunosuppressant as it affects the cell-mediated and humoral immune responses, including components of the acute-phase response (APR). We (1) examined the effects of Pb contamination on the innate immune system, body mass, and food intake of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica), and (2) evaluated the effects of Pb on its APR after exposing the animals to Pb acetate in drinkable water during 7 days. We found that Pb contamination increased the number of circulating white blood cells (WBCs), but no effect was found on body mass, food intake, the heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio, and haptoglobin (Hp) concentration. When Pb-exposed birds were injected with lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli to activate the APR, they had a negative body mass ratio, reduced food intake, and increased the number of WBCs, the H/L ratio, and the Hp concentration. We conclude that Pb exposure at this dose did not affect baseline values of the constitutive response and that it did not affect the APR of quails, but commend for further studies testing the effect of different Pb doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Melhado
- Departamento de Biodiversidade, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Amauri A Menegário
- Centro de Estudos Ambientais, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis Gerardo Herrera Montalvo
- Estación de Biología Chamela, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional, Autónoma de México, San Patricio, Jalisco, México
| | - Ariovaldo P Cruz-Neto
- Departamento de Biodiversidade, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
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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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Bassi E, Facoetti R, Ferloni M, Pastorino A, Bianchi A, Fedrizzi G, Bertoletti I, Andreotti A. Lead contamination in tissues of large avian scavengers in south-central Europe. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 778:146130. [PMID: 33714099 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146130] [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: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Lead poisoning from spent ammunition is known to affect many avian species. Birds of prey ingest lead when feeding on game shot with lead gunshot or bullets. Raptors with scavenging habits are particularly vulnerable to ingesting lead in areas with intensive hunting and are good indicators of the risk of poisoning from lead ammunition. To assess how much facultative and obligate avian scavengers suffer lead contamination in south-central Europe, between 2005 and 2019 we collected and analysed 595 tissue samples from 252 carcasses of 4 species (golden eagle, bearded vulture, griffon vulture, cinereous vulture). Lead concentrations in organs showed a similar pattern across species with long and small bones revealing the highest median values (5.56 and 6.8 mg/kg w.w., respectively), the brain the lowest (0.12), and the liver and kidney the intermediate (0.47 and 0.284). Overall, 111 individuals (44.0%) had lead concentrations above background thresholds in at least one tissue (i.e. >2 mg/kg w.w. in soft tissues, >8.33 in bone) and 66 (26.2%) had values indicating clinical poisoning (>6 mg/kg w.w. in liver, >4 in kidney, >16.6 in bone). Tissue lead concentrations and incidence of clinical and sub-clinical poisoning were higher in golden eagles and griffon vultures than in bearded and cinereous vultures, likely due to different feeding habits. In all species we found a rapid increase in lead values with age, but differences between age classes were significant only in the golden eagle. Birds with lead fragments in their digestive tract, as detected by X-rays, had higher median lead concentrations, suggesting that hunting ammunition is the main source of lead poisoning. Our results imply that lead impacts the demography of these long-lived species with delayed sexual maturity and low reproduction rate. A rapid transition towards lead-free bullets and gunshot is therefore required across Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Bassi
- ERSAF - Direzione Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio Nationalpark Stilfserjoch, Via De Simoni 42, 23038 Bormio, Italy
| | | | - Maria Ferloni
- Provincia di Sondrio, Via XXV Aprile, 22, 23100 Sondrio, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Bianchi
- IZSLER "Bruno Ubertini" - Sede Territoriale di Sondrio, Via Bormio 30, 23100 Sondrio, Italy
| | - Giorgio Fedrizzi
- IZSLER "Bruno Ubertini" - Dipartimento sicurezza alimentare, Via Fiorini 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Irene Bertoletti
- IZSLER "Bruno Ubertini" - Sede Territoriale di Sondrio, Via Bormio 30, 23100 Sondrio, Italy
| | - Alessandro Andreotti
- ISPRA - Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, Via Ca' Fornacetta 9, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy.
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7
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Monclús L, Shore RF, Krone O. Lead contamination in raptors in Europe: A systematic review and meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 748:141437. [PMID: 32818895 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Lead contamination is a widely recognised conservation problem for raptors worldwide. There are a number of studies in individual raptor species but those data have not been systematically evaluated to understand raptor-wide lead exposure and effects at a pan-European scale. To critically assess the extent of this problem, we performed a systematic review compiling all published data on lead in raptors (1983-2019) and, through a meta-analysis, determined if there was evidence for differences in exposure across feeding traits, geographical regions, between hunting and non-hunting periods, and changes over time. We also reviewed the impact of lead on raptors and the likely main source of exposure. We examined 114 studies that were unevenly distributed in terms of time of publication and the countries in which studies were performed. Peer-reviewed articles reported data for 39 raptor species but very few species were widely monitored across Europe. Obligate (vultures) and facultative scavengers (golden eagle, common buzzard and white-tailed sea eagle) accumulated the highest lead concentrations in tissues and generally were the species most at risk of lead poisoning. We found no evidence of a spatial or decadal trend in lead residues, but we demonstrated that high lead blood levels relate to hunting season. Exposure at levels associated with both subclinical and lethal effects is common and lead from rifle bullets and shot is often the likely source of exposure. Overall, our review illustrates the high incidence and ubiquity of lead contamination in raptors in Europe. However, we did not find studies that related exposure to quantitative impacts on European raptor populations nor detailed studies on the impact of mitigation measures. Such information is urgently needed and requires a more harmonised approach to quantifying lead contamination and effects in raptors across Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Monclús
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim 7491, Norway; Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain.
| | - Richard F Shore
- U.K. Centre of Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environmental Centre, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Oliver Krone
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin 10315, Germany
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Slabe VA, Anderson JT, Cooper J, Miller TA, Brown B, Wrona A, Ortiz P, Buchweitz J, McRuer D, Dominguez-Villegas E, Behmke S, Katzner T. Feeding Ecology Drives Lead Exposure of Facultative and Obligate Avian Scavengers in the Eastern United States. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2020; 39:882-892. [PMID: 32022303 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Lead poisoning of scavenging birds is a global issue. However, the drivers of lead exposure of avian scavengers have been understood from the perspective of individual species, not cross-taxa assemblages. We analyzed blood (n = 285) and liver (n = 226) lead concentrations of 5 facultative (American crows [Corvus brachyrhynchos], bald eagles [Haliaeetus leucocephalus], golden eagles [Aquila chrysaetos], red-shouldered hawks [Buteo lineatus], and red-tailed hawks [Buteo jamaicensis]) and 2 obligate (black vultures [Coragyps atratus] and turkey vultures [Cathartes aura] avian scavenger species to identify lead exposure patterns. Species and age were significant (α < 0.05) predictors of blood lead exposure of facultative scavengers; species, but not age, was a significant predictor of their liver lead exposure. We detected temporal variations in lead concentrations of facultative scavengers (blood: median = 4.41 µg/dL in spring and summer vs 13.08 µg/dL in autumn and winter; p = <0.001; liver: 0.32 ppm in spring and summer vs median = 4.25 ppm in autumn and winter; p = <0.001). At the species level, we detected between-period differences in blood lead concentrations of bald eagles (p = 0.01) and red-shouldered hawks during the winter (p = 0.001). During summer, obligate scavengers had higher liver lead concentrations than did facultative scavengers (median = 1.76 ppm vs 0.22 ppm; p = <0.001). These data suggest that the feeding ecology of avian scavengers is a determinant of the degree to which they are lead exposed, and they highlight the importance of dietary and behavioral variation in determining lead exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:882-892. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent A Slabe
- Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - James T Anderson
- Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Jeff Cooper
- Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Bracken Brown
- Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Anna Wrona
- Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Patricia Ortiz
- US Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Boise, Idaho, USA
| | - John Buchweitz
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Dave McRuer
- Wildlife Center of Virginia, Waynesboro, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Shannon Behmke
- Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Todd Katzner
- US Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Boise, Idaho, USA
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9
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Romero D, de José A, Theureau JM, Ferrer A, Raigón MD, Torregrosa JB. Lead in terrestrial game birds from Spain. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:1585-1597. [PMID: 31755055 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06827-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
We analysed exposure to Pb and its relationship with lead-based ammunition in seven species of terrestrial game birds-common woodpigeon (Columba palumbus), rock dove (Columba livia), stock dove (Columba oenas), European turtle-dove (Streptopelia turtur), red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa), Barbary partridge (Alectoris barbara) and common quail (Coturnix coturnix)-from rural and urban areas in different parts of Spain (Valencia, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Madrid, Islas Canarias and Navarra). A total of 530 liver samples were analysed, and the presence of Pb pellets was studied in the crop, gizzard and intestine; the state and appearance of these organs were also analysed. The number of specimens suspected to have ingested Pb shot was 28 (5.6%), and the geometric mean concentration of hepatic Pb was 0.054 μg g-1 (wet weight, ww). A low percentage of samples (4.8%) were above the abnormal exposure threshold (0.65 μg g-1 ww), and, in these specimens, renal Pb concentrations were determined. Common woodpigeons and rock doves from Madrid were found to have high concentrations of Pb in their livers, and, so, both species can be considered to be good bioindicators of Pb contamination in rural (common woodpigeons) and urban (rock doves) environments. Partridges bred for hunting may be more prone to ingesting pellets from the environment, a fact that should be taken into account in management decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Romero
- Área de Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Campus Regional de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare Nostrum," E-30071 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Antonio de José
- Alectoris, Ingeniería y Gestión, La Iglesia, 4, Zamora, 49162, Palacios del Pan, Spain
| | - Juan M Theureau
- Departamento de Ingeniería Rural y Agroalimentaria, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica y del Medio Natural, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Andrés Ferrer
- Departamento de Ingeniería Rural y Agroalimentaria, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica y del Medio Natural, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - María D Raigón
- Departamento de Química, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica y del Medio Natural, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan B Torregrosa
- Departamento de Ingeniería Rural y Agroalimentaria, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica y del Medio Natural, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
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10
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Mateo R, Kanstrup N. Regulations on lead ammunition adopted in Europe and evidence of compliance. AMBIO 2019; 48:989-998. [PMID: 30905055 PMCID: PMC6675918 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-019-01170-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The transition to non-lead ammunition has been enforced by regulations on use and possession of lead shot and rifle bullets. Here we review the scientific and technical literature about this regulatory process in Europe and give some notes of its effectiveness to reduce this source of lead contamination in aquatic and terrestrial environments. Presently, lead shot use has been legally restricted in 23 European countries. Two, Denmark and The Netherlands, have a total ban of lead gunshot use in all types of habitats, 16 countries have a total ban in wetlands and/or for waterbird hunting, and 5 have a partial ban implemented only in some wetlands. The legal regulation of lead bullets is limited to some German regions. This review also highlights the need to know the level of compliance with the ban on lead ammunition and the subsequent benefits for the susceptible species and for game meat safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Niels Kanstrup
- Department of Bioscience, Institute for Bioscience – Kalø, Aarhus University, Grenåvej 12, 8410 Rønde, Denmark
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11
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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: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [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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12
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Plaza PI, Lambertucci SA. What do we know about lead contamination in wild vultures and condors? A review of decades of research. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 654:409-417. [PMID: 30447579 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Vultures and condors (hereafter vultures) make up one the most threatened avian guilds in the world due to a variety of human-mediated impacts and disturbances. In fact, 70% of vulture species are currently suffering impacted by significant conservation threats, with lead contamination being particularly important. Unfortunately, lead contamination in vulture species remains poorly studied in many regions of the world. We reviewed the existing scientific knowledge about this threat to vultures. We found 62 scientific articles studying lead contamination in vultures. Seventy-two percent of these articles were from North America and Europe, with the rest corresponding to Asia (13%), South America (8%), and Africa (7%). Most (92%) were published recently (2001-2018). Published articles included information on 13 vulture species out of a total of 23 from both the Old (9) and New World (4). Eighty-eight percent of the articles showed individuals with lead concentrations above threshold levels in some tissues sampled, with New World (Cathartidae) vultures more affected than Old World vultures (Accipitridae). The most suspected but rarely probed source of lead was lead ammunition, but other sources such as pollution or industry were also reported. It is concerning that lead contamination is considered a major threat for just 8% (2/23) of the vulture species categorized by the IUCN Red list. Our review shows that lead contamination is an important threat for several vulture species worldwide, but remains undiagnosed and not well-recognized in some species and geographical areas. The effect of this contaminant on vulture demography is not well known but merits particular attention since it may be leading to population declines in several species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo I Plaza
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue - CONICET), Quintral 1250 (R8400FRF), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.
| | - Sergio A Lambertucci
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue - CONICET), Quintral 1250 (R8400FRF), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.
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13
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Ganz K, Jenni L, Madry MM, Kraemer T, Jenny H, Jenny D. Acute and Chronic Lead Exposure in Four Avian Scavenger Species in Switzerland. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 75:566-575. [PMID: 30238146 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-018-0561-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Despite irrefutable evidence of its negative impact on animal behaviour and physiology, lethal and sublethal lead poisoning of wildlife is still persistent and widespread. For scavenging birds, ingestion of ammunition, or fragments thereof, is the major exposure route. In this study, we examined the occurrence of lead in four avian scavengers of Switzerland and how it differs between species, regions, and age of the bird. We measured lead concentration in liver and bone of the two main alpine avian scavengers (golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos and bearded vulture Gypaetus barbatus) over the entire area of the Swiss Alps and two of the main avian scavengers occurring in the lowlands of Switzerland (red kite Milvus milvus and common raven Corvus corax). Of those four species, only the bearded vulture is an obligate scavenger. We found that lead burdens in the two alpine avian scavengers were higher than those found for the same species elsewhere in Europe or North America and reached levels compatible with acute poisoning, whereas lead burdens of the two lowland avian scavengers seemed to be lower. Several golden eagles, but only one red kite with abnormally high bone lead concentrations were found. In all four species, a substantial proportion of birds had elevated levels which presumably represent recent (liver lead levels) or past (bone lead levels) uptake of sublethal doses of lead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Ganz
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Seerose 1, 6204, Sempach, Switzerland.
| | - Lukas Jenni
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Seerose 1, 6204, Sempach, Switzerland
| | - Milena M Madry
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Kurvenstrasse 17, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kraemer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hannes Jenny
- Fish and Game Department, Canton of Grisons, Chur, Switzerland
| | - David Jenny
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Seerose 1, 6204, Sempach, Switzerland
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14
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Williams RJ, Holladay SD, Williams SM, Gogal RM. Environmental Lead and Wild Birds: A Review. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 245:157-180. [PMID: 29038944 DOI: 10.1007/398_2017_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Lead is a persistent inorganic environmental pollutant that affects humans and animals worldwide. Avian species are especially susceptible to lead exposure through consumption of lead ammunition, lead fishing tackle, and other contaminated food sources such as aquatic species ingesting lead contaminated sediments in mining areas. Even with government regulations on the use of lead ammunition in many countries, including the United States, terrestrial, aquatic, predatory, and scavenger avian species are still at risk of exposure to potentially lethal concentrations of lead. The toxicities seen in these avian species include increased oxidative stress and decreased anti-oxidant enzymes in hepatic and renal tissue. The avian immune system is also a target of lead and displays a number of altered functions suggestive of immune suppression; however, studies in wildlife and laboratory species remain too limited for definitive statements with regard to population risk. In contrast, lead clearly inhibits reproductive capabilities in adult birds, and alters growth and development of hatchlings. Environmental remediation for lead removal, which would lower toxic exposure in wildlife, presently is a monumental and prohibitively expensive effort. Wildlife exposure will therefore continue in contaminated areas, necessitating development of new remediation practices. These plans should aim toward limiting more widespread or heavier contamination of wildlife habitats. This chapter reviews presently available information of lead toxicity in wild bird species, and suggests continued monitoring and reduction strategies to reduce lead exposure for at-risk avian populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Williams
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Diagnostic Imagining, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Steven D Holladay
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Diagnostic Imagining, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Susan M Williams
- Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Robert M Gogal
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Diagnostic Imagining, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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