Tetracycline, Sulfonamide, and Erythromycin Residues in Beef, Eggs, and Honey Sold as "Antibiotic-Free" Products in East Tennessee (USA) Farmers' Markets.

Foods that contain antibiotic residues have potential adverse health effects on consumers and provide selective pressure for the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study's objective was to measure tetracycline, sulfonamide, and erythromycin residues in beef, eggs, and honey sold as "antibiotic-free" at farmers' markets in East Tennessee (East TN) in the United States (U.S.). Between July and September 2020, 36 "antibiotic-free" food products (9 beef, 18 egg, and 9 honey products) were purchased from East TN farmers' markets and tested for tetracycline, sulfonamide, and erythromycin residues using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (cELISA). All beef, egg, and honey products had tetracycline residue; the median concentrations were 51.75, 30.25, and 77.86 µg/kg, respectively. Sulfonamide residue was present in every sample of beef. Of 18 eggs, 11 eggs had detectable sulfonamide residue; the median concentrations were 3.50 and 1.22 µg/kg in beef and eggs, respectively. Each sample of beef and honey contained erythromycin residue; the median concentrations were 3.67 and 0.68 µg/kg, respectively. Overall, the median concentrations of tetracycline, sulfonamide, and erythromycin residues were below the maximum residue levels (MRLs) set in the U.S. for beef and eggs. Thus, the beef and eggs sold as "antibiotic-free" in East TN farmers' markets can be considered safe for consumption. Safety determination for honey could not be made because MRLs have not been set for honey in the U.S. Because these residues should not be expected in "antibiotic-free" food products, it is important to further investigate the potential sources of these residues in these products.

Pharmacokinetics and Egg Residues of Oral Meloxicam in Bantam Cochin Chickens.

Backyard poultry are commonly treated in veterinary hospitals; however, there is limited information regarding appropriate dosing of medications and withdrawal times for eggs. Six healthy adult bantam Cochin hens were given a single oral dose of meloxicam (1 mg/kg). Meloxicam plasma concentrations and egg residues were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Noncompartmental analysis was used to calculate pharmacokinetic parameters. The apparent terminal half-life, maximum concentration, and time to maximum concentration were 5.94 ± 0.92 hours, 7.03 ± 2.68 µg/mL, and 2.83 ± 1.33 hours, respectively. Meloxicam was detected in egg whites for 4.8 ± 1.5 days and egg yolks for 9.8 ± 2.4 days. Results were compared with previous studies in white leghorn and Columbian Wyandotte hens. Bantam Cochin hens demonstrated a significantly longer mean apparent terminal half-life, greater area under the curve, smaller elimination rate constant, and longer egg residue times compared with white leghorn hens. However, the pharmacokinetic results from the bantam Cochin hens did not significantly differ from those reported for the Columbian Wyandotte hens. Until pharmacodynamic studies can be performed, dosing of oral meloxicam in bantam Cochins should follow recommendations for Columbian Wyandotte hens to reduce the likelihood of adverse effects. These results better inform appropriate dosing of meloxicam in domestic hens, as well as recommended withdrawal times for egg consumption.

Measuring Post-training Activities Following a Veterinary Teaching Workshop in East Africa.

A teaching workshop was delivered for faculty members of East African colleges of veterinary medicine to foster teaching development and reflection. The goal was for participants to use knowledge gained to improve teaching skills. The approach was to "train the trainer" so attendees could transfer new knowledge to colleagues at their institutions. Techniques were used to increase the likelihood that participants would apply the training. A culturally responsive survey was developed to assess training transfer 1 year later. Pilot survey results suggest that participants applied what they learned and shared with colleagues largely due to peer and supervisor support. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-021-01428-2.

Breed differences in the pharmacokinetics of orally administered meloxicam in domestic chickens (Gallus domesticus).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pharmacokinetics of meloxicam in Wyandotte hens and duration and quantity of drug residues in their eggs following PO administration of a single dose (1 mg of meloxicam/kg [0.45 mg of meloxicam/lb]) and compare results with those previously published for White Leghorn hens. ANIMALS: 8 healthy adult Wyandotte hens. PROCEDURES: Hens were administered 1 mg of meloxicam/kg, PO, once. A blood sample was collected immediately before and at intervals up to 48 hours after drug administration. The hens' eggs were collected for 3 weeks after drug administration. Samples of the hens' plasma and egg whites (albumen) and yolks were analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Mean ± SD terminal half-life, maximum concentration, and time to maximum concentration were 5.53 ± 1.37 hours, 6.25 ± 1.53 µg/mL, and 3.25 ± 2.12 hours, respectively. Mean ± SD number of days meloxicam was detected in egg whites and yolks after drug administration was 4.25 ± 2 days and 9.0 ± 1.5 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Compared with White Leghorn hens, meloxicam in Wyandotte hens had a longer terminal half-life, greater area under the plasma concentration-versus-time curve from time 0 to infinity, a smaller elimination rate constant, and a longer mean residence time-versus-time curve from time 0 to infinity, and drug persisted longer in their egg yolks. Therefore, the oral dosing interval of meloxicam may be greater for Wyandotte hens. Results may aid veterinarians on appropriate dosing of meloxicam to Wyandotte hens and inform regulatory agencies on appropriate withdrawal times.

EFFICACY OF SUBCUTANEOUS IMPLANTS TO PROVIDE CONTINUOUS PLASMA TERBINAFINE IN HELLBENDERS (CRYPTOBRANCHUS ALLEGANIENSI) FOR FUTURE PROPHYLACTIC USE AGAINST CHYTRIDIOMYCOSIS.

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is an important fungal pathogen present in wild hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) populations that appears to cause disease during novel exposure and acute stress. Hellbender repatriation efforts are ongoing to combat declining populations, but mortality by chytridiomycosis (disease from Bd) after release has been reported. The goal was to determine whether a safe antifungal agent could be administered and provide prolonged plasma concentrations without repeated handling. A subcutaneous implant impregnated with 24.5 mg of terbinafine was tested in three juvenile eastern hellbenders (C. a. alleganiensis) raised in human care, and plasma terbinafine concentrations were recorded from weekly to biweekly for 141 days. Plasma concentrations were variable, with peak plasma concentrations of 1,610, 112, and 66 ng/ml between 28 and 56 days postimplant. Although all hellbenders achieved plasma concentrations above the published minimum inhibitory concentration for terbinafine against Bd zoospores (63 ng/ml) at several time points, only one individual remained above this threshold for more than two consecutive time intervals. Results show the potential for these implants as a prophylaxis for chytridiomycosis in captive-to-wild hellbender releases. However, further investigation will be needed to determine the plasma concentrations required to achieve prophylaxis in vivo and implant reliability.

Attitudes, practices, and zoonoses awareness of community members involved in the bushmeat trade near Murchison Falls National Park, northern Uganda.

The harvest of bushmeat is widespread in the tropics and sub-tropics. Often in these communities, there is a dependence on bushmeat for both food security and basic income. Despite the importance of bushmeat for households worldwide, the practice raises concern for transmission of zoonotic pathogens through hunting, food preparation, and consumption. In Uganda, harvest of wildlife is illegal, but bushmeat hunting, is commonplace. We interviewed 292 women who cook for their households and 180 self-identified hunters from 21 villages bordering Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda to gain insights into bushmeat preferences, opportunity for zoonotic pathogen transmission, and awareness of common wildlife-associated zoonoses. Both hunters and women who cook considered primates to be the most likely wildlife species to carry diseases humans can catch. Among common zoonotic pathogens, the greatest proportions of women who cook and hunters believed that pathogens causing stomach ache or diarrhea and monkeypox can be transmitted by wildlife. Neither women who cook nor hunters report being frequently injury during cooking, butchering, or hunting, and few report taking precautions while handling bushmeat. The majority of women who cook believe that hunters and dealers never or rarely disguise primate meat as another kind of meat in market, while the majority of hunters report that they usually disguise primate meat as another kind of meat. These data play a crucial role in our understanding of potential for exposure to and infection with zoonotic pathogens in the bushmeat trade. Expanding our knowledge of awareness, perceptions and risks enables us to identify opportunities to mitigate infections and injury risk and promote safe handling practices.

Pharmacokinetics and Drug Residue in Eggs After Multiple-Day Oral Dosing of Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid in Domestic Chickens.

This study examined the pharmacokinetics of orally administered amoxicillin and clavulanic acid tablets (Clavamox, 125 mg/kg PO q12h for 9 doses) in domestic hens and examined both amoxicillin and clavulanic acid concentrations in eggs. Therapeutic plasma concentrations (0.5 µg/mL) of amoxicillin were not reached at any time point, and no amoxicillin was detected in plasma after 2 hours. Pharmacokinetic parameters could not be calculated. The clavulanic acid half-life was 1.1 hours and it was detected up to 8 hours after dosing. No amoxicillin was detected in eggs 4 days postdosing, nor was clavulanic acid detected in any eggs during the same time period. On the basis of these results, orally dosing hens with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid tablets at 125 mg/kg PO q12h does not reach therapeutic plasma concentrations. Additional studies are needed to examine different doses and formulations of medication to determine better dosing and withdrawal recommendations for domestic chickens.

Pharmacokinetics and Egg Residues of Meloxicam After Multiple Day Oral Dosing in Domestic Chickens.

With increased ownership of backyard poultry, veterinarians must treat these birds appropriately and take into consideration drug withdrawal times for eggs meant for consumption. Few studies have examined the pharmacokinetics or egg residues for medications commonly used in avian medicine. This study determined the pharmacokinetics of meloxicam in domestic chickens (n = 8) after oral dosing at 1 mg/kg q12h for a total of 9 doses (5 days). Additionally, the presence of meloxicam residues in eggs was determined. The terminal half-life, maximum concentration, and time to maximum concentration were 3.02 ± 1.15 hours, 7.14 ± 1.54 µg/mL, and 1.6 ± 0.52 hours, respectively. No drug was detected in yolks and whites after 8 days and 3 days, respectively. On the basis of these results, a 2-week withdrawal time should be adequate to avoid drug residues in eggs meant for consumption.

Pharmacokinetics and egg residues after oral administration of a single dose of meloxicam in domestic chickens (Gallus domesticus).

OBJECTIVE To determine the pharmacokinetics of meloxicam in domestic hens and duration and quantity of drug residues in their eggs following PO administration of a single dose (1 mg of meloxicam/kg). ANIMALS 8 healthy adult White Leghorn hens. PROCEDURES Hens were administered 1 mg of meloxicam/kg PO once. A blood sample was collected immediately before and at intervals up to 48 hours after drug administration. The hens' eggs were collected for 3 weeks after drug administration. Samples of the hens' plasma, egg whites (albumen), and egg yolks were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS The half-life, maximum concentration, and time to maximum concentration of meloxicam in plasma samples were 2.8 hours, 7.21 µg/mL, and 2 hours, respectively. Following meloxicam administration, the drug was not detected after 4 days in egg whites and after 8 days in egg yolks. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that meloxicam administered at a dose of 1 mg/kg PO in chickens appears to maintain plasma concentrations equivalent to those reported to be therapeutic for humans for 12 hours. The egg residue data may be used to aid establishment of appropriate drug withdrawal time recommendations.

Plasma Concentrations of Itraconazole, Voriconazole, and Terbinafine When Delivered by an Impregnated, Subcutaneous Implant in Japanese Quail ( Coturnix japonica ).

Aspergillosis is a common fungal infection in both wild and pet birds. Although effective antifungal medications are available, treatment of aspergillosis can require months of medication administration, which entails stressful handling one or more times per day. This study examined the delivery of the antifungal drugs itraconazole, voriconazole, and terbinafine to Japanese quail ( Coturnix japonica ) via an impregnated implant. Implants contained 0.5, 3, 8, or 24 mg of itraconazole, voriconazole, or terbinafine. The implants were administered subcutaneously over the dorsum and between the scapulae. Blood was collected from birds before and 2, 7, 21, 42, and 56 days after implant placement. Plasma was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography for concentrations of itraconazole, voriconazole, or terbinafine, as appropriate. During the course of the study, targeted terbinafine concentrations were achieved in some birds at various time points, but concentrations were inconsistent. Itraconazole and voriconazole concentrations were also inconsistent and did not reach targeted concentrations. Currently, the implant examined in this study cannot be recommended for treatment of aspergillosis in avian species.

The Efficacy and Safety of Topical Rocuronium Bromide to Induce Bilateral Mydriasis in Hispaniolan Amazon Parrots ( Amazona ventralis ).

The efficacy and safety of topically applied rocuronium in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots ( Amazona ventralis ) was assessed in a group of 10 adult birds. A complete ophthalmic examination (including Schirmer tear test, ocular reflexes, applanation tonometry, fluorescein staining, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy) was performed, and rocuronium bromide (0.15 mg in both eyes) was administered. Pupillary light reflex (PLR) and pupillary diameter were recorded in a darkened room at the following time points: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 220, 240, 300, and 360 minutes, and 24 hours. Fluorescein staining in both eyes was performed at 24 hours. By 10 minutes, PLR was absent in all birds (at 5 minutes, 8 birds; at 10 minutes, remaining 2 birds). Pupil diameter differed significantly from baseline at all time points. Additionally, PLR was decreased in 7/10 birds at 360 minutes and normal in all birds at 24 hours. Superficial corneal ulceration was observed at 24 hours in the left eye of 2/10 of the birds after fluorescein stain application. This study demonstrated that rocuronium bromide was an effective mydriatic agent in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots with rapid onset and prolonged duration of action.

Evaluating risks to wildlife from coal fly ash incorporating recent advances in metals and metalloids risk assessment.

Current scientific advances in metal and metalloid risk assessment were applied to evaluate risk to aquatic and riparian wildlife species potentially impacted by residual coal fly ash after cleanup of an unprecedented large ash release into an aquatic environment-the first assessment of its kind. Risk was evaluated using multiple lines of evidence (LOE), including 1) tissue-based risk assessment of inorganic concentrations in piscivorous and insectivorous bird eggs and raccoon organs, 2) deterministic and probabilistic diet-based risk estimates for 10 receptors species, 3) raccoon health metrics, and 4) tree swallow nest productivity measures. Innovative approaches included use of tissue-based toxicity reference values (TRVs), adjustment of bioavailability in the dietary uptake models (using sequential metal extractions in sediment), partitioning chemical species into uptake compartments (e.g., prey gut, nongut, sediment), incorporating uncertainty in both modeled dose and dietary TRVs, matching TRVs to chemical forms of constituents, and pairing these LOEs with reproductive success or health status of sensitive receptor species. The weight of evidence revealed that risk to wildlife from residual ash was low and that risk, though low, was most pronounced for insectivorous birds from exposure to Se and As. This information contributes to the debate surrounding coal combustion residue regulations prompted by this ash release. Because of the responsible party's proactive approach of applying state-of-the-art methods to assess risk using several LOEs that produced consistent results, and because of their inclusion of the regulating agencies in decisions at every step of the process, the risk assessment results were accepted, and an effective approach toward cleanup protective of the environment was quickly implemented. This study highlights the value of using multiple LOEs and the latest scientific advances to assist in timely decision making to obtain an effective remedy for an emergency spill.

Major anthropogenic causes for and outcomes of wild animal presentation to a wildlife clinic in East Tennessee, USA, 2000-2011.

To determine the reasons for presentation and outcome of wildlife cases in East Tennessee, a retrospective analysis was performed using 14,303 records from cases presented to the wildlife clinic of the University of Tennessee Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 2000 and 2011. The cases were first categorized into amphibian/non-avian reptile, mammal, or avian and then classified into groups based on the primary admitting/presenting sign. There are a variety of reasons animals were presented to the clinic, and some were directly or indirectly anthropogenic in origin, including cat related, dog related, hit by automobile, and other human encounters leading to trauma; of the cases reviewed, 4,443 (31.1%) presented for one of these 4 reasons. Overall case fatality risk in regard to these 4 admitting/presenting signs was 0.519 for the amphibian/non-avian reptile cases, 0.675 for mammal cases, and 0.687 for avian cases. This study confirms the importance of monitoring wildlife morbidity and mortality and of focusing efforts to reduce the anthropogenic threat on native habitats and resident wildlife populations.

Efficacy of common disinfectants and terbinafine in inactivating the growth of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in culture.

Use of disinfectants by biologists, veterinarians, and zoological facilities is a standard biosecurity procedure to prevent contamination and the spread of pathogens. We tested the efficacy of 5 disinfectants and 1 anti-fungal treatment, at 1 and 5 min contact durations, in inactivating Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) grown on tryptone media. Our study focused on concentrations of disinfectants known to inactivate ranaviruses, which can be found at the same sites as Bd and can concurrently infect amphibians. Disinfectants tested were chlorhexidine gluconate (0.25, 0.75, and 2%), Pro-San (0.19, 0.35, and 0.47%), Virkon S (1%), household bleach (0.2, 1, and 3%), and Xtreme Mic (5%). The anti-fungal was terbinafine HCl at 0.005, 0.05, 0.1, and 1 mg ml-1. Inactivation of Bd was determined by microscopic evaluation of zoospore motility and growth of colony mass after 14 d. All disinfectants were effective at inactivating zoospore motility and colony growth of Bd at all concentrations and both contact times; however, terbinafine HCl inactivated Bd at only the highest concentration tested (1 mg ml-1) and 5 min duration. Thus, a minimum of 0.25% chlorhexidine gluconate, 0.19% Pro-San, 1% Virkon, 0.2% bleach, and 5% Xtreme Mic with 1 min contact was sufficient to inactivate Bd. Also, terbinafine HCl (1 mg ml-1) with a 5 min contact time might be effective in treating amphibians infected with Bd. Based on this study and previously published findings, 0.75% Nolvasan, 1% Virkon S, and 3% bleach with 1 min contact are sufficient to inactivate both Bd and ranaviruses.

Episodic syncope caused by ventricular flutter in a tiger (Panthera tigris).

A captive, 9-yr-old castrated male tiger (Panthera tigris) from an exotic cat sanctuary and rescue facility was observed to have three collapsing episodes within a 2-wk interval prior to being examined by veterinarians. No improvement in clinical signs was noted after empiric treatment with phenobarbital. During a more complete workup for epilepsy, ventricular flutter was observed on electrocardiogram (ECG). The arrhythmia resolved with a single intravenous bolus of lidocaine. Cardiac structure and function were unremarkable on echocardiogram and cardiac troponin I levels were within normal limits for domestic felids. No significant abnormalities were noted on abdominal ultrasound. Complete blood count and biochemistry panel were unremarkable, and heartworm antigen and Blastomyces urine antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were negative. Antiarrhythmic treatment with sotalol was initiated. On follow-up ECG performed 1 mo later, no significant arrhythmias were noted, and clinical signs have completely resolved.

Pharmacokinetics of repeated oral administration of tramadol hydrochloride in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pharmacokinetics of tramadol hydrochloride (30 mg/kg) following twice-daily oral administration in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis). ANIMALS: 9 healthy adult Hispaniolan Amazon parrots. PROCEDURES: Tramadol hydrochloride was administered to each parrot at a dosage of 30 mg/kg, PO, every 12 hours for 5 days. Blood samples were collected just prior to dose 2 on the first day of administration (day 1) and 5 minutes before and 10, 20, 30, 60, 90, 180, 360, and 720 minutes after the morning dose was given on day 5. Plasma was harvested from blood samples and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Degree of sedation was evaluated in each parrot throughout the study. RESULTS: No changes in the parrots' behavior were observed. Twelve hours after the first dose was administered, mean ± SD concentrations of tramadol and its only active metabolite M1 (O-desmethyltramadol) were 53 ± 57 ng/mL and 6 ± 6 ng/mL, respectively. At steady state following 4.5 days of twice-daily administration, the mean half-lives for plasma tramadol and M1 concentrations were 2.92 ± 0.78 hours and 2.14 ± 0.07 hours, respectively. On day 5 of tramadol administration, plasma concentrations remained in the therapeutic range for approximately 6 hours. Other tramadol metabolites (M2, M4, and M5) were also present. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: On the basis of these results and modeling of the data, tramadol at a dosage of 30 mg/kg, PO, will likely need to be administered every 6 to 8 hours to maintain therapeutic plasma concentrations in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots.

Pharmacokinetics of terbinafine after oral administration of a single dose to Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis).

OBJECTIVE: To determine pharmacokinetics after oral administration of a single dose of terbinafine hydrochloride to Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis). ANIMALS: 6 healthy adult Hispaniolan Amazon parrots. PROCEDURES: A single dose of terbinafine hydrochloride (60 mg/kg) was administered orally to each bird, which was followed immediately by administration of a commercially available gavage feeding formula. Blood samples were collected at the time of drug administration (time 0) and 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after drug administration. Plasma concentrations of terbinafine were determined via high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Data from 1 bird were discarded because of a possible error in the dose of drug administered. After oral administration of terbinafine, the maximum concentration for the remaining 5 fed birds ranged from 109 to 671 ng/mL, half-life ranged from 6 to 13.5 hours, and time to the maximum concentration ranged from 2 to 8 hours. No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of the results indicated that oral administration of terbinafine at a dose of 60 mg/kg to Amazon parrots did not result in adverse effects and may be potentially of use in the treatment of aspergillosis. Additional studies are needed to determine treatment efficacy and safety.

Antinociceptive effects of tramadol hydrochloride after intravenous administration to Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the antinociceptive and sedative effects of tramadol in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) following IV administration. ANIMALS: 11 healthy Hispaniolan Amazon parrots of unknown sex. PROCEDURES: Tramadol hydrochloride (5 mg/kg, IV) and an equivalent volume (≤ 0.34 mL) of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution were administered to parrots in a complete crossover study design. Foot withdrawal response to a thermal stimulus was determined 30 to 60 minutes before (baseline) and 15, 30, 60, 120, and 240 minutes after treatment administration; agitation-sedation scores were determined for parrots at each of those times. RESULTS: The estimated mean changes in temperature from the baseline value that elicited a foot withdrawal response were 1.65° and -1.08°C after administration of tramadol and saline solution, respectively. Temperatures at which a foot withdrawal response was elicited were significantly higher than baseline values at all 5 evaluation times after administration of tramadol and were significantly lower than baseline values at 30, 120, and 240 minutes after administration of saline solution. No sedation, agitation, or other adverse effects were observed in any of the parrots after administration of tramadol. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Tramadol hydrochloride (5 mg/kg, IV) significantly increased the thermal nociception threshold for Hispaniolan Amazon parrots in the present study. Sedation and adverse effects were not observed. These results are consistent with results of other studies in which the antinociceptive effects of tramadol after oral administration to parrots were determined.

Metal accumulation and health effects in raccoons (Procyon lotor) associated with coal fly ash exposure.

Approximately 5.4 million cubic yards of coal fly ash and water spilled into the Emory River embayment of Watts Bar Reservoir in east Tennessee on Dec 22, 2008. Raccoons were collected in 2009 and 2010 from the spill site (10/y) and unexposed areas (5/y) to determine whether metals and metalloids were accumulating in raccoons and if any negative health effects resulted from exposure to the spilled coal fly ash. Tissues were analyzed from each animal to determine the concentrations of 26 metals/metalloids. Complete blood cell counts (CBC), plasma biochemistry panels, and histopathology of select tissues also were performed. Results were analyzed by year and exposure status. Although significant differences were present in some tissues for some metals/metalloids, only arsenic in hair, iron in muscle, nickel in hair, selenium in hair and muscle, strontium in hair, and vanadium in hair and liver were increased in spill site animals (one or both years) compared with unexposed animals. No clinically important differences were observed between groups regarding CBC or plasma biochemistry analyses. Lesions were observed on histopathology in some tissues, but there was no difference in the prevalence of lesions between spill site and unexposed animals. There does not seem to be any important accumulation of metals/metalloids or negative health effects in raccoons associated with exposure to coal fly ash compared with unexposed animals.