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Lead poisoning in sandhill cranes.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|November 1, 1977
Summary
Lead paint exposure caused lead poisoning in some sandhill cranes, requiring treatment. However, many cranes showed resilience, remaining healthy despite high blood lead levels, indicating potential natural tolerance.
Area of Science:
- Avian toxicology
- Wildlife health
- Environmental contaminants
Background:
- Lead poisoning is a significant threat to avian populations.
- Sandhill cranes are susceptible to environmental toxins due to their foraging habits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of lead-based paint exposure in Florida sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis pratensis) and greater sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis tabida).
- To assess clinical signs, diagnose lead poisoning, and evaluate treatment efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Cranes were exposed to lead-based paint containing 27% lead.
- Clinical signs, blood lead concentrations, and gross/microscopic lesions were monitored.
- Treatment with calcium disodium edetate was administered to affected birds.
Main Results:
- Two cranes of each subspecies exhibited clinical signs of lead poisoning, confirmed by high blood lead levels (146–378 µg/100 ml).
- Affected cranes were successfully treated with calcium disodium edetate.
- Seven cranes remained asymptomatic despite elevated blood lead levels, particularly greater sandhill cranes.
Conclusions:
- Lead-based paint is a viable source of lead poisoning in sandhill cranes.
- Calcium disodium edetate is an effective treatment for lead poisoning in these birds.
- Greater sandhill cranes may possess a higher tolerance to lead exposure.