Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
if the initial mortality is not detected quickly, and then new arrivals have had continued access to
the chemical. In carbofuran poisoning incidents, carcasses are commonly found adjacent or in close
proximity to bait material (see Figure 2.1).The area immediately surrounding a carcass may well
appear disturbed, as a bird may have seizures or struggle before succumbing to the pesticide. The
feet or talons may be clenched around vegetation; another indication of seizure or agonal contrac-
tion. This is not a common fi nding in non-poisoning cases. The crop and oesophagus are often vis-
ibly distended with ingesta, and birds can die so quickly that the ingested food may be present in the
mouth (for example, see Figure 2.2). Note also the rigid angle of the tail feathers of the birds shown
in Figures 2.1 and 2.2 (and see Figure 7.5 in Chapter 7).
Birds are generally in good body condition, with adequate pectoral muscling. Male geese and
ducks poisoned by carbofuran may be found with a prolapsed penis. The only other condition histori-
cally associated with a prolapsed penis is duck plague (duck virus enteritis), a herpes virus infection
that occurs in ducks, geese and swans. If poisoning is suspected, the authorities should be notifi ed
so that carcasses and fi eld samples can be collected in a manner that would support a successful
legal investigation and to minimise further environmental (e.g., further poisonings, environmental
contamination) and human health risks.
A diagnostic evaluation of a carcass should rule out infectious agents. Although there is no
pathology specifi cally associated with birds poisoned with carbofuran, wet lungs, congested tissues,
and occasionally, haemorrhage in the intestine can be seen. When the oesophagus, crop, and gizzard/
stomach are opened, they are almost always full. As discussed above, the toxicant/compound can
be directly consumed as granules, and these may be visible. Likewise, the liquid formulation can be
Figure 2.1 In carbofuran poisoning incidents, carcasses such as these marsh harriers are commonly
found adjacent or in close proximity to baited material (i.e., the hare)
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