Chronic lead intoxication in a jaguar (Panthera onca) shot with round lead pellets: case report / Intoxicação crônica por chumbo em uma onça pintada (Panthera onca) alvejada com projéteis de chumbo: relato de caso

Lead is a heavy metal and an important cause of acute or chronic toxicosis in humans, domestic, and wild animals. This report aims to describe a case of chronic lead poisoning in a jaguar (Panthera onca) kept under human care that was rescued from the wild environment. The animal was rescued in poor condition in 2004 and kept under human care at the Belo Horizonte Zoological Garden (Minas Gerais, Brazil) until 2020, when it presented with anorexia, vomiting and ataxia. Over the past years the animal had episodes of anemia and increased serum urea and creatinine. Radiography demonstrated 21 radiopaque projectiles on the right side of the face. At necropsy there were multiple projectiles surrounded by fibrous tissue in the subcutaneous of the right side of the face, fibrinous peritonitis, multiple gastric ulcers, and melena. The lead dosage was performed using the atomic absorption spectrometry technique using renal tissue collected at necropsy, with a result of 908 ppb (µg/kg). The findings of projectiles associated with the dosage of lead above the reference limits allow the diagnosis of chronic intoxication in this case.

Chumbo é um metal pesado e uma causa importante de toxicose crônica no homem e em animais domésticos e selvagens. Este relato teve como objetivo descrever um caso de intoxicação crônica por chumbo em uma onça-pintada (Panthera onca), mantida sob cuidados humanos, que foi resgatada de seu ambiente natural em 2004, em pobre condição corporal. O animal foi encaminhado ao zoológico de Belo Horizonte (MG, Brasil), onde permaneceu até 2020, quando desenvolveu anorexia, vômitos e ataxia. Durante os últimos anos, o animal teve episódios de anemia e aumento da concentração sérica de ureia e creatinina. O exame radiográfico demonstrou 21 projéteis radiodensos na face direita. À necropsia, foram observados vários projéteis envoltos por tecido conjuntivo no subcutâneo da face esquerda, peritonite fibrinosa, múltiplas úlceras gástricas e melena. A concentração de chumbo foi determinada por espectrometria de absorção atômica em amostras de tecido renal, indicando 908 ppb (µg/kg). O achado de projéteis de chumbo associado à elevada concentração de chumbo é compatível com intoxicação crônica por chumbo neste caso.

Intoxicação por chumbo em bovinos mantidos em área de treinamento militar / Lead poisoning in cattle held in a military training area

Background: Lead poisoning is one of the major toxic diseases of cattle. Contamination occurs with ingestion of products containing lead, especially batteries, or through contaminated pastures and water sources. Clinical signs are neurological and necropsy findings and histopathological changes may vary depending on the clinical presentation. Although the disease is widely reported in the literature, there are rare descriptions of intoxication in cattle raised in military training areas. This work describes the epidemiological, clinical and anatomopathological features of an outbreak of lead poisoning in cattle kept in a military artillery training camp.Case: Fifteen cattle out of a herd of sixty 4-6 year-old, mixed breed castrated males were affected. The cattle were held in a 100 ha of native pasture used for military artillery training. After three weeks in this area, the affected cattle had predominantly neurological clinical manifestations, characterized by somnolence, ambulatory incoordination, muscle tremors, bruxism, aimless walking, blindness and decubitus. The clinical course was 24-72 h. Eight of the 15 affected cattle died and two were necropsied. Necropsy finds were non-specific and the histological lesions of both necropsied cattle were restricted to the brain and kidneys. Laminar neuronal necrosis, neuropil vacuolization (spongiosis) and vascular endothelial hypertrophy were observed in the telencephalic cortex. Additionally there was astrocytic degeneration and neuronophagia. There was degeneration and necrosis of renal tubular epithelium and in one bovine there were intranuclear inclusion bodies in the renal epithelial cells; these inclusion bodies were highlighted using both modified Ziehl-Neelsen and periodic acid Schiff (PAS) stains. The levels of lead found in the kidneys and livers of the two necropsied cattle were respectively 51.7 μg/g and 41.00 μg/g for one of the necropsied cattle; and 431μg/g and 39.0 μg/g for the other.[...](AU)

Intoxicação por chumbo em bovinos mantidos em área de treinamento militar / Lead poisoning in cattle held in a military training area

Background: Lead poisoning is one of the major toxic diseases of cattle. Contamination occurs with ingestion of products containing lead, especially batteries, or through contaminated pastures and water sources. Clinical signs are neurological and necropsy findings and histopathological changes may vary depending on the clinical presentation. Although the disease is widely reported in the literature, there are rare descriptions of intoxication in cattle raised in military training areas. This work describes the epidemiological, clinical and anatomopathological features of an outbreak of lead poisoning in cattle kept in a military artillery training camp.Case: Fifteen cattle out of a herd of sixty 4-6 year-old, mixed breed castrated males were affected. The cattle were held in a 100 ha of native pasture used for military artillery training. After three weeks in this area, the affected cattle had predominantly neurological clinical manifestations, characterized by somnolence, ambulatory incoordination, muscle tremors, bruxism, aimless walking, blindness and decubitus. The clinical course was 24-72 h. Eight of the 15 affected cattle died and two were necropsied. Necropsy finds were non-specific and the histological lesions of both necropsied cattle were restricted to the brain and kidneys. Laminar neuronal necrosis, neuropil vacuolization (spongiosis) and vascular endothelial hypertrophy were observed in the telencephalic cortex. Additionally there was astrocytic degeneration and neuronophagia. There was degeneration and necrosis of renal tubular epithelium and in one bovine there were intranuclear inclusion bodies in the renal epithelial cells; these inclusion bodies were highlighted using both modified Ziehl-Neelsen and periodic acid Schiff (PAS) stains. The levels of lead found in the kidneys and livers of the two necropsied cattle were respectively 51.7 μg/g and 41.00 μg/g for one of the necropsied cattle; and 431μg/g and 39.0 μg/g for the other.[...]

Repeated conservation threats across the Americas: High levels of blood and bone lead in the Andean Condor widen the problem to a continental scale.

Wildlife lead exposure is an increasing conservation threat that is being widely investigated. However, for some areas of the world (e.g., South America) and certain species, research on this subject is still scarce or only local information is available. We analyzed the extent and intensity of lead exposure for a widely distributed threatened species, the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus). We conducted the study at two different scales: 1) sampling of birds received for rehabilitation or necropsy in Argentina, and 2) bibliographic review and extensive survey considering exposure event for the species' distribution in South America. Wild condors from Argentina (n = 76) presented high lead levels consistent with both recent and previous exposure (up to 104 µg/dL blood level, mean 15.47 ± 21.21 µg/dL and up to 148.20 ppm bone level, mean 23.08 ± 31.39 ppm). In contrast, captive bred individuals -not exposed to lead contamination- had much lower lead levels (mean blood level 5.63 ± 3.08 µg/dL, and mean bone level 2.76 ± 3.06 ppm). Condors were exposed to lead throughout their entire range in continental Argentina, which represents almost sixty percent (>4000 km) of their geographical distribution. We also present evidence of lead exposure events in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. Lead poisoning is a widespread major conservation threat for the Andean Condor, and probably other sympatric carnivores from South America. The high number and wide range of Andean Condors with lead values complement the results for the California Condor and other scavengers in North America suggesting lead poisoning is a continental threat. Urgent actions are needed to reduce this poison in the wild.

Contaminação ambiental e intoxicação de bovinos por chumbo em diferentes estados do Brasil / Environmental contamination and bovine intoxication by lead in some Brazilian states

O chumbo é um metal pesado que manipulado adequadamente, traz benefícios ao ser humano. Porém, sua utilização fora das normas de segurança como o acondicionamento inadequado causa danos ao manipulador e ao ambiente. Um dos problemas mais comuns é a questão da saúde alimentícia humana envolvendo bovinos de corte e leite. O objetivo deste trabalho foi fazer um levantamento de casos de contaminação e intoxicação de bovinos nas macrorregiões brasileiras entre 2002 e 2015. A pesquisa mostrou que as regiões sudeste e sul contam com o maior número de casos e que a principal forma de contaminação dá-se pela própria suplementação mineral na alimentação bovina.

Lead is a heavy metal that, when handled properly, is beneficial to humans. However, disrespect to safety standards and improper storage cause damage to the handler and the environment. One of the most common issues is related to human food health involving beef and milk cattle. The objective of this study was to survey the cases between 2002 and 2015 of contamination and poisoning of cattle in the Brazilian regions. Research has shown that the southeastern and southern regions hold the highest number of cases and the main form of intoxication in cattle is the mineral supplementation in their diet.

The effect of humic acid substances on the thyroid function and structure in lead poisoning

Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal, which adversely affects thyroid gland function and structure. Due to its high molecular weight and abundant functional groups, humic acid substances (HAS) can form chelates with heavy metals. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the prophylactic effect of HAS on thyroid hormone levels and histopathological lesions of laying hens exposed to lead (Pb) poisoning. After a week of adaptation, 192 Lohmann White laying hens (25 weeks of age) were fed one of four diets: a basal diet (BD) or the BD with HAS (0.15%), with Pb (0.3 g/kg), or with both. Experimental groups were replicated in 12 cages, with four hens each. Pb poisoning did not alter triiodothyronine (FT3; 3.22 ± 0.20 ng/dL) or thyroxine (FT4; 0.71 ± 0.08 ng/dL) concentrations, but caused a 167% increase in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration. HAS supplementation returned the high TSH levels of hens exposed to Pb poisoning to normal values. Degenerative changes in the epithelial cells of the thyroid gland of the hens exposed to Pb poisoning were evidenced. Connective tissue cells in the interfollicular area and total amount of colloids with partially atrophic follicles were observed. These histopathological findings were less severe when HAS was added to the diet. In conclusion, HAS alleviates the effects of Pb poisoning on thyroid gland function and structure, possibly preventing its internalization by the tissue by forming chelates and exerting anti-inflammatory effects.(AU)

The effect of humic acid substances on the thyroid function and structure in lead poisoning

Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal, which adversely affects thyroid gland function and structure. Due to its high molecular weight and abundant functional groups, humic acid substances (HAS) can form chelates with heavy metals. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the prophylactic effect of HAS on thyroid hormone levels and histopathological lesions of laying hens exposed to lead (Pb) poisoning. After a week of adaptation, 192 Lohmann White laying hens (25 weeks of age) were fed one of four diets: a basal diet (BD) or the BD with HAS (0.15%), with Pb (0.3 g/kg), or with both. Experimental groups were replicated in 12 cages, with four hens each. Pb poisoning did not alter triiodothyronine (FT3; 3.22 ± 0.20 ng/dL) or thyroxine (FT4; 0.71 ± 0.08 ng/dL) concentrations, but caused a 167% increase in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration. HAS supplementation returned the high TSH levels of hens exposed to Pb poisoning to normal values. Degenerative changes in the epithelial cells of the thyroid gland of the hens exposed to Pb poisoning were evidenced. Connective tissue cells in the interfollicular area and total amount of colloids with partially atrophic follicles were observed. These histopathological findings were less severe when HAS was added to the diet. In conclusion, HAS alleviates the effects of Pb poisoning on thyroid gland function and structure, possibly preventing its internalization by the tissue by forming chelates and exerting anti-inflammatory effects.

Lead exposure affects health indices in free-ranging ducks in Argentina.

Numerous experiments under controlled conditions and extensive investigation of waterfowl die-offs have demonstrated that exposure to lead from spent gunshot is highly detrimental to the health of waterfowl. However, few studies have focused on examining the more subtle sub-lethal effects of lead toxicity on ducks in non-experimental settings. In our study, the health of ducks exposed to varying amounts of lead under natural conditions was assessed by correlating individual lead exposure with relevant indices of health. Based on hunter-killed wild ducks in Argentina, we measured spleen mass, body condition, examined bone marrow smears, and determined Ca and P in bone tissue. In free-ranging live-trapped ducks we determined basic hematology and aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity. Using multivariate analyses, we found that, when controlling for the potential confounding effect of site type, year, duck species, body mass and age, lead levels in the liver were negatively associated with body condition and spleen mass. Spleen mass was also lower in ducks with higher lead levels in their bones. In live ducks, high blood lead levels were associated with low packed cell volume and red cell morphologic abnormalities. These findings suggest that, despite the lack of recorded lead-induced mortality in the region, lead exposure results in less conspicuous but still significant impacts on the health of ducks, which could have serious implications for their conservation. Moreover, this evidence further supports the need for urgently banning lead shot in the region.

Cascading impacts of anthropogenically driven habitat loss: deforestation, flooding, and possible lead poisoning in howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra).

To construct informed conservation plans, researchers must go beyond understanding readily apparent threats such as habitat loss and bush-meat hunting. They must predict subtle and cascading effects of anthropogenic environmental modifications. This study considered a potential cascading effect of deforestation on the howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) of Balancán, Mexico. Deforestation intensifies flooding. Thus, we predicted that increased flooding of the Usumacinta River, which creates large bodies of water that slowly evaporate, would produce increased lead content in the soils and plants, resulting in lead exposure in the howler monkeys. The average lead levels were 18.18 ± 6.76 ppm in the soils and 5.85 ± 4.37 ppm in the plants. However, the average lead content of the hair of 13 captured howler monkeys was 24.12 ± 5.84 ppm. The lead levels in the animals were correlated with 2 of 15 blood traits (lactate dehydrogenase and total bilirubin) previously documented to be associated with exposure to lead. Our research illustrates the urgent need to set reference values indicating when adverse impacts of high environmental lead levels occur, whether anthropogenic or natural, and the need to evaluate possible cascading effects of deforestation on primates.

Lead poisoning in cattle and chickens in the state of Pará, Brazil / Intoxicação por chumbo em bovinos e galinhas no estado do Pará

The present study describes the occurrence of lead poisoning in cattle and chickens in Pará, Brazil. In a lot composed of 80 calves from a dairy herd, 10 animals became sick and nine died, but one animal recovered after being removed from the paddock. Upon inspection of this paddock, the presence of truck batteries used to store energy captured by solar panels was found. The clinical signs observed in calves included difficult breathing, nasal discharge, excessive salivation, corneal opacity, pushing of the head against objects and recumbency. The chickens had decreased oviposition and produced eggs with thin or malformed shells. The necropsy findings of the cattle, as well as the histopathological changes observed, were of little significance except for one animal that showed mild astrocytosis histopathology in the cerebral cortex. In one of the chickens, renal histopathology showed mild multifocal acute tubular necrosis. The mean lead concentrations in the livers and kidneys of the cattle were 93.91mg/kg and 209.76mg/kg, respectively, and the mean concentration detected in chicken livers was 105.02mg/kg. It was concluded that the source of lead poisoning in these calves and chickens were the truck battery plates, which were within reach of the animals.(AU)

O presente estudo descreve a ocorrência de intoxicação por chumbo em bovinos e galinhas no Pará, Brasil. Em um lote composto de 80 bezerros de um rebanho leiteiro, 10 animais ficaram doentes e nove morreram, e um animal se recuperou após ser removido do piquete. Após a inspeção deste piquete, foi observada a presença de baterias de caminhões usados para armazenar a energia captada por painéis solares. Os sinais clínicos observados nos bezerros incluíam dificuldade respiratória, corrimento nasal, salivação excessiva, opacidade da córnea, pressão da cabeça contra objetos e decúbito. As galinhas tinham diminuída oviposição e os ovos produzidos eram com cascas malformadas ou tinham a casca mais fina. Os achados de necropsia e as alterações histopatológicas observadas nos bovinos eram de pouco significado, com exceção de um animal que mostrou leve astrocitose no córtex cerebral. Em uma das galinhas, na histopatologia renal observou-se leve necrose tubular aguda multifocal. As concentrações de chumbo médios nos fígados e rins dos bovinos eram 93,91mg/kg e 209,76mg/kg, respectivamente, e a concentração média no fígado de galinhas foi 105,02mg/ kg. Concluiu-se que a fonte de contaminação por chumbo nesses bezerros e galinhas eram placas de bateria de caminhão, aos quais os animais tiveram acesso na pastagem.(AU)

Lead poisoning in cattle and chickens in the state of Pará, Brazil / Intoxicação por chumbo em bovinos e galinhas no estado do Pará

The present study describes the occurrence of lead poisoning in cattle and chickens in Pará, Brazil. In a lot composed of 80 calves from a dairy herd, 10 animals became sick and nine died, but one animal recovered after being removed from the paddock. Upon inspection of this paddock, the presence of truck batteries used to store energy captured by solar panels was found. The clinical signs observed in calves included difficult breathing, nasal discharge, excessive salivation, corneal opacity, pushing of the head against objects and recumbency. The chickens had decreased oviposition and produced eggs with thin or malformed shells. The necropsy findings of the cattle, as well as the histopathological changes observed, were of little significance except for one animal that showed mild astrocytosis histopathology in the cerebral cortex. In one of the chickens, renal histopathology showed mild multifocal acute tubular necrosis. The mean lead concentrations in the livers and kidneys of the cattle were 93.91mg/kg and 209.76mg/kg, respectively, and the mean concentration detected in chicken livers was 105.02mg/kg. It was concluded that the source of lead poisoning in these calves and chickens were the truck battery plates, which were within reach of the animals.(AU)

O presente estudo descreve a ocorrência de intoxicação por chumbo em bovinos e galinhas no Pará, Brasil. Em um lote composto de 80 bezerros de um rebanho leiteiro, 10 animais ficaram doentes e nove morreram, e um animal se recuperou após ser removido do piquete. Após a inspeção deste piquete, foi observada a presença de baterias de caminhões usados para armazenar a energia captada por painéis solares. Os sinais clínicos observados nos bezerros incluíam dificuldade respiratória, corrimento nasal, salivação excessiva, opacidade da córnea, pressão da cabeça contra objetos e decúbito. As galinhas tinham diminuída oviposição e os ovos produzidos eram com cascas malformadas ou tinham a casca mais fina. Os achados de necropsia e as alterações histopatológicas observadas nos bovinos eram de pouco significado, com exceção de um animal que mostrou leve astrocitose no córtex cerebral. Em uma das galinhas, na histopatologia renal observou-se leve necrose tubular aguda multifocal. As concentrações de chumbo médios nos fígados e rins dos bovinos eram 93,91mg/kg e 209,76mg/kg, respectivamente, e a concentração média no fígado de galinhas foi 105,02mg/ kg. Concluiu-se que a fonte de contaminação por chumbo nesses bezerros e galinhas eram placas de bateria de caminhão, aos quais os animais tiveram acesso na pastagem.(AU)

Intoxicação por metal pesado em aves ornamentais: um desafio diagnóstico / Poisoning by heavy metal in ornamental birds: a diagnostic challenge / Intoxicación por metales pesados en aves ornamentales: un reto diagnóstico

Relatos de intoxicação por metal pesado ocorrem em grupos de aves com comportamento exploratório como galiformes, gruiformes, psitaciformes, passeriformes, ratitas, dentre outros. A intoxicação pode estar associada à ação tóxica de um ou mais metais pesados associados, como cobre, zinco, e chumbo. Aves criadas de forma livre ou semi livre, sem supervisão, podem estar mais expostas ao risco de ingestão de fragmentos metálicos. Regurgitação, alterações nas fezes, poliúria, contrações musculares e convulsões são as principais manifestações clínicas relacionadas. A dificuldade no reconhecimento de que uma ave está doente, por parte do tutor, principalmente de manifestações neurológicas, propicia maior tempo de exposição aos metais pesados, acarretando maior gravidade do quadro clínico. A radiografia simples pode auxiliar no diagnóstico, com a observação de corpos estranhos com radiopacidade elevada(metálica) em topografia de ventrículo e intestino. O principal desafio mediante casos de intoxicação por metal pesado, portanto, é o rápido diagnóstico.

Heavy metal intoxication occurs in groups of galiformes, gruiformes, psitaciformes, passeriformes and ratitas among others and it is related to their exploratory and inquisitiveness behaviour. Intoxication is associated do exposure to some form of heavy metal, most commonly cooper, zinc and lead. Free living birds without supervision, can be more displayed to the risk of ingestion of metallic foreign objects. Regurgitation, diarrhoea or blood in faeces, polyuria, muscle contractions and seizures are the main related clinical manifestations. The difficulty in the recognition of a sick bird by the owner, mainly neurological manifestations, propitiates greater time of exposition to heavy metais, leading to more severe clinical manifestations. Radiography can helps obtaining diagnosis. Extremely radiodense foreign objects in the digestory tract can de found. The main challenge of cases of heavy metal poisoning, is, therefore, the fast diagnosis.

Informes de envenenamiento por metales pesados aparecen en grupos de aves con la conducta exploratoria como galliformes, gruiformes, psittaciformes, passeriformes, ratitas, entre otros. La intoxicación puede estar ligada a la acción tóxica de uno o más metales pesados asociados con, como el cobre, zinc y plomo. Aves creadas libres o semi libre, sin supervisión, puedem estar más expuestas al riesgo de ingestión de fragmentos metálicos. Regurgitación, cambios en las heces, poliuria, espasmos y convulsiones son las principales manifestaciones clinicas relacionadas. La dificultad en el reconocimiento de que un pájaro está enfermo, por lo guardian, principalmente manifestaciones neurologicas, proporciona mayor exposición a metales pesados, causando una mayor gravedad del cuadro clínico. La radiografía simples puede ayudar en el diagnóstico, con la observación de cuerpos extranos con alta radiopacidad en topografía del ventriculo y del intestino. El principal desafío de los casos de intoxicación por metal pesado, el diagnóstico rápido.

Intoxicação por metal pesado em aves ornamentais: um desafio diagnóstico / Poisoning by heavy metal in ornamental birds: a diagnostic challenge / Intoxicación por metales pesados en aves ornamentales: un reto diagnóstico

Relatos de intoxicação por metal pesado ocorrem em grupos de aves com comportamento exploratório como galiformes, gruiformes, psitaciformes, passeriformes, ratitas, dentre outros. A intoxicação pode estar associada à ação tóxica de um ou mais metais pesados associados, como cobre, zinco, e chumbo. Aves criadas de forma livre ou semi livre, sem supervisão, podem estar mais expostas ao risco de ingestão de fragmentos metálicos. Regurgitação, alterações nas fezes, poliúria, contrações musculares e convulsões são as principais manifestações clínicas relacionadas. A dificuldade no reconhecimento de que uma ave está doente, por parte do tutor, principalmente de manifestações neurológicas, propicia maior tempo de exposição aos metais pesados, acarretando maior gravidade do quadro clínico. A radiografia simples pode auxiliar no diagnóstico, com a observação de corpos estranhos com radiopacidade elevada(metálica) em topografia de ventrículo e intestino. O principal desafio mediante casos de intoxicação por metal pesado, portanto, é o rápido diagnóstico.(AU)

Heavy metal intoxication occurs in groups of galiformes, gruiformes, psitaciformes, passeriformes and ratitas among others and it is related to their exploratory and inquisitiveness behaviour. Intoxication is associated do exposure to some form of heavy metal, most commonly cooper, zinc and lead. Free living birds without supervision, can be more displayed to the risk of ingestion of metallic foreign objects. Regurgitation, diarrhoea or blood in faeces, polyuria, muscle contractions and seizures are the main related clinical manifestations. The difficulty in the recognition of a sick bird by the owner, mainly neurological manifestations, propitiates greater time of exposition to heavy metais, leading to more severe clinical manifestations. Radiography can helps obtaining diagnosis. Extremely radiodense foreign objects in the digestory tract can de found. The main challenge of cases of heavy metal poisoning, is, therefore, the fast diagnosis.(AU)

Informes de envenenamiento por metales pesados aparecen en grupos de aves con la conducta exploratoria como galliformes, gruiformes, psittaciformes, passeriformes, ratitas, entre otros. La intoxicación puede estar ligada a la acción tóxica de uno o más metales pesados asociados con, como el cobre, zinc y plomo. Aves creadas libres o semi libre, sin supervisión, puedem estar más expuestas al riesgo de ingestión de fragmentos metálicos. Regurgitación, cambios en las heces, poliuria, espasmos y convulsiones son las principales manifestaciones clinicas relacionadas. La dificultad en el reconocimiento de que un pájaro está enfermo, por lo guardian, principalmente manifestaciones neurologicas, proporciona mayor exposición a metales pesados, causando una mayor gravedad del cuadro clínico. La radiografía simples puede ayudar en el diagnóstico, con la observación de cuerpos extranos con alta radiopacidad en topografía del ventriculo y del intestino. El principal desafío de los casos de intoxicación por metal pesado, el diagnóstico rápido.(AU)

Lead gunshot pellet ingestion and tissue lead levels in wild ducks from Argentine hunting hotspots.

Lead poisoning in waterfowl due to ingestion of lead pellets is a long recognized worldwide problem but poorly studied in South America, particularly in Argentinean wetlands where duck hunting with lead gunshot is extensive. In 2008, we found high pellet ingestion rates in a small sample of hunted ducks. To expand our knowledge on the extent of lead exposure and to assess health risks from spent shot intake, during 2011 and 2012 we sampled 415 hunter-killed ducks and 96 live-trapped ducks. We determined the incidence of lead shot ingestion and lead concentrations in bone, liver and blood in five duck species: whistling duck (Dendrocygna bicolor), white-faced tree duck (D. viduata), black-bellied whistling-duck (D. autumnalis), rosy-billed pochard (Netta peposaca) and Brazilian duck (Amazonetta brasiliensis). The ingestion of lead shot was confirmed in 10.4% of the ducks examined (43/415), with a prevalence that varied by site and year, from 7.6% to 50%. All bone samples (n=382) and over 60% of liver samples (249/412) contained lead concentrations above the detection limit. The geometric mean lead concentration in tissues (mg/kg dry weight) was 0.31 (GSD=3.93) and 3.61 (GSD=4.02) for liver and bone, respectively, and 0.20 (GSD=2.55) in blood (mg/kg wet weight). Lead levels surpassed toxicity thresholds at which clinical poisoning is expected in 3.15% of liver samples, 23.8% of bones and 28% of blood samples. Ducks with ingested lead pellets were much more likely to have high levels of lead in their liver. Rosy-billed pochards were consistently more prone to ingesting lead shot than other duck species sampled. However, whistling ducks showed higher levels of lead in liver and bone. Our results suggest that lead from ammunition could become a substantial threat for the conservation of wild duck populations in Argentina. The replacement of lead by non-toxic shot would be a reasonable and effective solution to this problem.

Lead poisoning risk for dairy cows in the semi-arid region of Pernambuco, Brazil.

The lead (Pb) isotopes ²°6Pb and ²°8Pb are the final products of the radioactive decay of ²³8U and ²³²Th, respectively. Soils in the municipalities of Pedra and Venturosa, Brazil, present high levels of these radionuclides. We hypothesized that forage plants growing in these soils may take up high amounts of Pb and, consequently, intoxicate dairy cows. To test this, we quantified Pb concentrations in 23 forage samples from this region. Pb concentrations varied from 5 to 344 mg kg⁻¹. The highest values are one order of magnitude above the reported limit, therefore, indicating high risk of Pb contamination for dairy cows.

Parâmetros qualitativos da carne de cordeiros submetidosaos modelos de produção orgânico e convencional / Qualitative parameters of lamb meat submitted to organic and conventional production models

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar parâmetros qualitativos da carne, análise sensorial e quantificação de resíduo de drogaveterinária e metais pesados provenientes de 48 cordeiros Ile de France submetidos aos modelos de produção orgânicoe convencional, os quais foram abatidos aos 32 kg de peso corporal. A carne dos cordeiros do modelo orgânico tevemaior teor de amarelo que a dos cordeiros do modelo convencional aos 45 minutos após o abate, sendo que os demaisparâmetros L* e a* não foram afetados, já a cor da carne dos cordeiros 24 horas após o abate, não foi influenciada pelostratamentos. Não houve efeito dos tratamentos no pH e na temperatura aos 45 minutos e 24 horas após o abate, nacapacidade de retenção de água e na força de cisalhamento, enquanto as perdas de peso na cocção foram influenciadaspelos tratamentos. Na carne dos cordeiros criados no modelo orgânico, a maciez subjetiva e a aceitação global foraminferiores quando comparadas às do modelo convencional.Os tratamentos não influenciaram os teores de arsênio,cádmio e chumbo da carne. Constatou-se inexistência do princípio ativo ivermectina na carne proveniente dos modelosde produção orgânico e convencional.

This work aimed to evaluate qualitative parameters of meat, sensorial analysis, ivermecin residue and heavy metalsfrom 48 Ile de France lambs submitted to organic and conventional production models which were slaughtered at 32 kgof body weight. Lamb meat from organic model had larger yellowness w to compawithto conventional mo to 45 minutesafter the slaught anbut L * and a* parameters were not affeced;, however, not eady the color of lamb meat 24 hoursafter the slaugter, not influenced by treatments. There was not effect of treatments in pH and temperatureat 45 minutesand 24 hours after the slaughter, in water holding capacity and in shear force, while the cooking losses were influencedby treatments. In the meat of lambs submitted to organic model, the subjective tenderness and the global acceptancewere lower when compared to convencional model. Treatments didn’t influence arsenic, cadmium and lead meat tenor.Inexistence of ivermectin was verified in meat from organic and conventional production models.

Parâmetros qualitativos da carne de cordeiros submetidosaos modelos de produção orgânico e convencional / Qualitative parameters of lamb meat submitted to organic and conventional production models

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar parâmetros qualitativos da carne, análise sensorial e quantificação de resíduo de drogaveterinária e metais pesados provenientes de 48 cordeiros Ile de France submetidos aos modelos de produção orgânicoe convencional, os quais foram abatidos aos 32 kg de peso corporal. A carne dos cordeiros do modelo orgânico tevemaior teor de amarelo que a dos cordeiros do modelo convencional aos 45 minutos após o abate, sendo que os demaisparâmetros L* e a* não foram afetados, já a cor da carne dos cordeiros 24 horas após o abate, não foi influenciada pelostratamentos. Não houve efeito dos tratamentos no pH e na temperatura aos 45 minutos e 24 horas após o abate, nacapacidade de retenção de água e na força de cisalhamento, enquanto as perdas de peso na cocção foram influenciadaspelos tratamentos. Na carne dos cordeiros criados no modelo orgânico, a maciez subjetiva e a aceitação global foraminferiores quando comparadas às do modelo convencional.Os tratamentos não influenciaram os teores de arsênio,cádmio e chumbo da carne. Constatou-se inexistência do princípio ativo ivermectina na carne proveniente dos modelos de produção orgânico e convencional.(AU)

This work aimed to evaluate qualitative parameters of meat, sensorial analysis, ivermecin residue and heavy metalsfrom 48 Ile de France lambs submitted to organic and conventional production models which were slaughtered at 32 kgof body weight. Lamb meat from organic model had larger yellowness w to compawithto conventional mo to 45 minutesafter the slaught anbut L * and a* parameters were not affeced;, however, not eady the color of lamb meat 24 hoursafter the slaugter, not influenced by treatments. There was not effect of treatments in pH and temperatureat 45 minutesand 24 hours after the slaughter, in water holding capacity and in shear force, while the cooking losses were influencedby treatments. In the meat of lambs submitted to organic model, the subjective tenderness and the global acceptancewere lower when compared to convencional model. Treatments didnt influence arsenic, cadmium and lead meat tenor.Inexistence of ivermectin was verified in meat from organic and conventional production models.(AU)

Recent and chronic exposure of wild ducks to lead in human-modified wetlands in Santa Fe Province, Argentina.

Poisoning of waterfowl due to ingestion of lead pellets is a worldwide problem in areas that are subject to hunting. No studies have assessed exposure of waterbirds to this heavy metal in Argentina, in spite of intense hunting activity, and the fact that only lead ammunition is commercially available. The objective of this study was to evaluate duck exposure to lead by examining gizzard and bone samples collected from 30 wild ducks, 16 Rosy-billed Pochard (Netta peposaca), and 14 Fulvous Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor), provided by hunters in northern Santa Fe Province, Argentina, in July 2007. Radiographs, followed by dissection of the gizzards, showed that 31% of the Rosy-billed Pochards and 29% of the Fulvous Whistling-Ducks had ingested lead pellets (between one and four per animal). Lead in bone was found at concentrations associated with detrimental health effects. In spite of the small number of samples in this project, these results indicate high levels of lead exposure (both recent and chronic) in these species. This is the first report of a problem in Argentina that could represent a threat to the health and conservation of native aquatic species, their predators, and the wetlands they inhabit.

Lead poisoning in cattle grazing pasture contaminated by industrial waste.

Lead poisoning is described in a herd of 120 Nelore cows of which 35 were affected. All affected cows died after a clinical course of 2-7 d with clinical signs related to cortical neurological disturbances. The source of Pb was fumes from a car battery recycling plant which has had a failure in its filtering system. Lead concentrations in liver and kidneys of 2 cows, in soil; and in grass where the cows were held were respectively 39 to 431 ppm, 147 to 431 ppm, and 245 ppm. No significant gross changes were observed. Histopathology revealed of neuronal necrosis, vacuolation of the neuropil and hypertrophy of the vascular endothelium in the cerebral cortices, degeneration of the epithelial cells of renal proximal tubules, and hemosiderosis of kidney, spleen and liver.

Lead poisoning in cattle in southern Brazil

Em setembro de 2000, três novilhas, provenientes de um pequeno rebanho de bovinos de corte, apresentaram severa depressão, tremores musculares, ato de pressionar a cabeça contra objetos e de ranger de dentes, intensa salivação, cegueira e morte. Envenenamento por chumbo foi diagnosticado com base nos sinais clínicos e em função da presença de grandes concentrações de chumbo nos rins e no fígado de um dos animais afetados. Latas de tinta velhas, presentes no potreiro onde estavam os animais e cujo conteúdo extravasava através de fendas provocadas pela ferrugem, foram identificadas como a fonte de chumbo que causou a toxicose nos animais.