Detection and assessment of electrocution in endangered raptors by infrared thermography

Mar Melero,Fernando González,María Jiménez,José Sánchez-Vizcaíno,Susana Jato-Sánchez,Irene López,Olga Nicolás

doi:10.1186/1746-6148-9-149

Mar Melero, Fernando González + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-6148-9-149

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Abstract

BackgroundMost European birds of prey find themselves in a poor state of conservation, with electrocution as one of the most frequent causes of unnatural death. Since early detection of electrocution is difficult, treatment is usually implemented late, which reduces its effectiveness. By considering that electrocution reduces tissue temperature, it may be detectable by thermography, which would allow a more rapid identification. Three individuals from three endangered raptor species [Spanish imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti), Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus) and Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)] were studied thermographically from the time they were admitted to a rehabilitation centre to the time their clinical cases were resolved.Cases presentationThe three raptors presented lesions lacking thermal bilateral symmetry and were consistent with electrocution of feet, wings and eyes, visible by thermography before than clinically; lesions were well-defined and showed a lower temperature than the surrounding tissue. Some lesions evolved thermally and clinically until the appearance of normal tissue recovered, while others evolved and became necrotic. A histopathological analysis of a damaged finger amputated off a Lammergeier, and the necropsy and histopathology examination of an osprey, confirmed the electrocution diagnosis.ConclusionsThese results suggest that thermography is effective and useful for the objective and early detection and monitoring of electrocuted birds, and that it may prove especially useful for examining live animals that require no amputation or cannot be subjected to invasive histopathology.

Highlights

Most European birds of prey find themselves in a poor state of conservation, with electrocution as one of the most frequent causes of unnatural death
These results suggest that thermography is effective and useful for the objective and early detection and monitoring of electrocuted birds, and that it may prove especially useful for examining live animals that require no amputation or cannot be subjected to invasive histopathology
One of the most common causes of unnatural death is electrocution as a result of collisions with power lines and the subsequent trauma when the animal falls to the ground [1,3,4]

Summary

Conclusions

Thermography is a rapid, stress-free and objective tool that allows: the early detection of asymmetry temperature distribution and lesions consistent with electrocution without necropsy or amputation; the determination of areas damaged by the entry and exit of an electric current; the assessment of the animal’s clinical status; the diagnosis of pathologies associated with electrocution, such as fractures and patagium retraction; and the evaluation of how lesions evolve with different treatments; all of which can contribute to more effective treatment. Authors’ contributions MM contributed by taking the thermograms and images analysis and by writing the manuscript. FG, ON, IL, MAJ and SJS helped draft the manuscript. FG, ON and IL contributed with the clinical diagnosis, treatments and assessments. MAJ contributed by performing the histopathology analysis. SJS contributed with the physiotherapy diagnosis and treatment at GREFA. All the authors have read and approved the final manuscript

Background

17 April 27 June

Findings

27. Rae MA