Heat exposure and the toxicity of one number four lead shot in mallards, Anas platyrhynchos.

Abstract

Lead poisoning from ingested shot is a major cause of mortality in waterfowl throughout the world. In North America, most waterfowl that die from lead poisoning succumb following the hunting season. Cold and harsh winter weather is generally thought to exacerbate lead toxicity in birds. Although largely undocumented, there is considerable opportunity for birds to ingest lead shot in the summer during periods of extreme heat. Substantial lead exposure in over 50% of the American black ducks (Anas rubripes) captured in late summer has been observed in areas of the Chesapeake Bay. Moreover, investigations with rodents, rabbits, and man have demonstrated that the toxicity of lead is increased by high environmental temperature, possibly caused by elevated metabolic rate, dehydration, and impaired lead excretion. A recent study in which black ducks were dosed with a single number 4 lead shot suggested that toxicity may be enhanced during periods of extreme hot weather. To further investigate this finding, the authors examined lead toxicity in mallards maintained at thermoneutral temperature (21/sup 0/C) and at an elevated temperature (35/sup 0/C) approaching the upper critical limit.