Lead concentrations in livers of Maryland waterfowl with and without ingested lead shot present in gizzards.

Abstract

The significance of lead poisoning in waterfowl caused by ingestion of spent lead shot has long been recognized (WETMORE, 1919) as has the adverse impact on waterfowl populations (BELLROSE, 1959). The majority of observations on lead shot ingestion by waterfowl have been with dabbling duck species. Much less work has been done on diving ducks and geese although the problem of lead toxicity in these species has been studied by such as DIETER et ai.(1976) and DIETER (1979) working with canvasback ducks (Aythya valisineria), DANELL et al. (1977) working w~c~ards(~ ferina), tufted ducks (Aythya fuligula) and goldene--~ (-Bucephala clangula~a-6-d--COOK & TRAINER (1966) working with Canada geese (Branta canadensis). Techniques are available for monitoring the presence of ingested lead shot in gizzards of waterfowl such as direct examination of dead birds and fluoroscopic methods for live or dead birds. These are somewhat limited insofar as ingested lead pellets may be eroded relatively rapidly and/ or excreted leaving no direct evidence of recent acute lead ingestion regardless of presence of ingested lead shot. The present report is concerned with comparison of liver lead concentrations in 14 species of waterfowl with and without ingested lead shot present in their gizzards.