Intentional and accidental poisoning of wild and domestic animals in Spain: differences between regions

[ES]: En este estudio se han analizado 1.157 casos sospechosos de intoxicación de fauna silvestre y doméstica en el medio natural (1.800 animales y 340 cebos) procedentes de diversas Comunidades Autónomas (CCAA) españolas durante el periodo 2004-2010. Se ha detectado un 41,2% de casos positivos (40,8% de animales y 52,6% de cebos). En los carnívoros domésticos la detección del tóxico llegó al 71,4%, lo que indica su utilidad como centinelas del uso de veneno en el medio natural. El 78,3% de los animales que fueron positivos a los análisis toxicológicos han sido considerados como intoxicaciones intencionadas. Las aves rapaces diurnas fueron el grupo más afectado por las intoxicaciones (43,6% del total de animales positivos), seguido de los mamíferos carnívoros (27,1%). Los tóxicos más frecuentemente detectados fueron insecticidas anticolinesterásicos (cebos/animales: 80,4%/65,8%), seguidos de rodenticidas anticoagulantes (5%/19,6%), estricnina (2,2%/6,5%) y arsénico (4,5%/2,3%). De las diferencias observadas entre CCAA destaca la preponderancia en el uso de estricnina en Asturias, rodenticidas anticoagulantes en Castilla y León, insecticidas organofosforados en Aragón, insecticidas carbamatos en Castilla-La Mancha y Madrid, y la aparición de otros venenos, como á-cloralosa o barbitúricos, en Cataluña. En resumen, el 82,3% de las intoxicaciones intencionadas fueron debidas a anticolinesterásicos y el 85,5% de las accidentales a rodenticidas anticoagulantes. En futuras regulaciones de plaguicidas y biocidas se debería tener en cuenta el riesgo del uso ilegal en la preparación de cebos envenenados que comporta la comercialización de formulados con alta riqueza de ingredientes activos con baja DL50.[EN]: In this study we have analyzed 1,157 suspected cases of poisoning of wild and domestic animals in the natural environment (1,800 animals and 340 baits) from different Spanish regions during the period 2004- 2010. We detected 41.2% of positive cases (40.8% of animals and 52.6% of baits). In domestic carnivores detection of toxic compounds reached 71.4%, indicating its usefulness as sentinels of the use of poison in the environment. In those animals positive for toxicological analysis, 78.3% have been considered as intentional poisonings. The diurnal raptors were most affected by poisoning (43.6% of positives), followed by carnivorous mammals (27.1%). The most frequently detected toxicants were anticholinesterase insecticides (baits/animals: 80.4%/65.8%), followed by anticoagulant rodenticides (5%/19.6%), strychnine (2.2%/6.5%) and arsenic (4.5%/2.3%). The differences observed between regions underlines the dominance in the use of strychnine in Asturias, anticoagulant rodenticides in Castilla y Leon, organophosphate insecticides in Aragon, carbamate insecticides in Castilla-La Mancha and Madrid, and the emergence of other poisons, such as á-chloralose or barbiturates, in Catalonia. In summary, 82.3% of intentional poisonings were due to anticholinesterase pesticides and 85.5% of accidental anticoagulant rodenticides. Future regulations of pesticides and biocides should take into account the risk of illegal use in the preparation of poisoned baits which involves the marketing of formulations with high richness of active ingredients with low LD50.Este trabajo ha sido financiado mediante los contratos establecidos entre el IREC y las CCAA de Aragón, Castilla-La Mancha, Cataluña, Madrid, Asturias, Cantabria, Navarra y País Vasco para llevar a cabo análisis toxicológicos de fauna salvaje.Peer Reviewe

Porphyrins produce uniquely ephemeral animal colouration: a possible signal of virginity

Colours that underlie animal pigmentation can either be permanent or renewable in the short term. Here we describe the discovery of a conspicuous salmon-pink colouration in the base of bustard feathers and down that has never been reported because of its extraordinarily brief expression. HPLC analyses indicated that its constituent pigments are coproporphyrin III and protoporphyrin IX, which are prone to photodegradation. Accordingly, an experimental exposure of feathers of three bustard species to sunlight produced a rapid disappearance of the salmon-pink colouration, together with a marked decrease in reflectance around 670 nm coinciding with the absorption of porphyrin photoproducts. The disappearance of the salmon-pink colouration can occur in a period as short as 12 min, likely making it the most ephemeral colour phenotype in any extant bird. The presence of this colour trait in males performing sexual displays may thus indicate to females a high probability that the males were performing their first displays and would engage in their first copulations in the breeding season. In dominant males, sperm quality decreases over successive copulations, thus porphyrin-based colouration may evolve as a signal of virginity that allows females to maximize their fitness in lek mating systemsPeer reviewe

Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in the blood of obligate and facultative European avian scavengers

The widespread use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) and their high persistence in animal tissues has led to these compounds becoming ubiquitous in rodent-predator-scavenger food webs. Exposure to SGARs has usually been investigated in wildlife species found dead, and despite growing evidence of the potential risk of secondary poisoning of predators and scavengers, the current worldwide exposure of free-living scavenging birds to SGARs remains scarcely investigated. We present the first active monitoring of blood SGAR concentrations and prevalence in the four European obligate (i.e., vultures) and facultative (red and black kites) avian scavengers in NE Spain. We analysed 261 free-living birds and detected SGARs in 39.1% (n = 102) of individuals. Both SGAR prevalence and concentrations (ΣSGARs) were related to the age and foraging behaviour of the species studied. Black kites showed the highest prevalence (100%), followed by red kites (66.7%), Egyptian (64.2%), bearded (20.9%), griffon (16.9%) and cinereous (6.3%) vultures. Overall, both the prevalence and average ΣSGARs were higher in non-nestlings than nestlings, and in species such as kites and Egyptian vultures foraging in anthropic landscapes (e.g., landfill sites and livestock farms) and exploiting small/medium-sized carrions. Brodifacoum was most prevalent (28.8%), followed by difenacoum (16.1%), flocoumafen (12.3%) and bromadiolone (7.3%). In SGAR-positive birds, the ΣSGAR (mean ± SE) was 7.52 ± 0.95 ng mL−1; the highest level detected being 53.50 ng mL−1. The most abundant diastereomer forms were trans-bromadiolone and flocoumafen, and cis-brodifacoum and difenacoum, showing that lower impact formulations could reduce secondary exposures of non-target species. Our findings suggest that SGARs can bioaccumulate in scavenging birds, showing the potential risk to avian scavenging guilds in Europe and elsewhere. We highlight the need for further studies on the potential adverse effects associated with concentrations of SGARSs in the blood to better interpret active monitoring studies of free-living birds.POV and AM were funded within the framework of the project RTI2018- 099609-B-C22, from the I + D + I National Plan funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. SGAR analyses have been performed with the own resources obtained from the Service of Toxicological Analysis at IREC (CGP170122, University of Castilla-La Mancha). PRC benefited from a contract of the Research Plan of the University of Castilla-La Mancha funded by European Fund for the Regional Development

Blood concentrations of 50 elements in Eagle owl (Bubo bubo) at different contamination scenarios and related effects on plasma vitamin levels

Some metals and metalloids (e.g. Pb, Hg, Cd and As) are well-known for their bioaccumulation capacity and their toxic effects on birds, but concerns on other minor elements and rare earth elements (ME and REE) are growing due to their intensive use in modern technology and potential toxicity. Vitamins and carotenoids play essential roles in nestling growth and proper development, and are known to be affected by the metals classically considered as toxic. However, we are unaware of any attempts to evaluate the exposure to 50 elements and related effects in plasma vitamins and carotenoids in raptor species. The main goals of this study are: (i) to assess the exposure to 50 elements (i.e. classic toxic elements, trace elements, REE and ME) in nestling Eagle owls (Bubo bubo) inhabiting three differently polluted environments (mining, industrial and control areas) in southeastern Spain, and (ii) to evaluate how element exposure affects plasma vitamin and carotenoid levels, hematocrit and body measurements (mass and wing length) of the individuals. Our results show that local contamination in the mining area contributes to increased blood concentrations of Pb, As and Tl in nestlings, while diet differences between control and mining/industrial areas may account for the different levels of Mn, Zn, and Sr in blood, and lutein in plasma. Plasma tocopherol levels were increased in the mining-impacted environment, which may be a mechanism of protection to prevent toxic element-related oxidative stress. Plasma α-tocopherol was enhanced by 20% at blood Pb concentrations ≥8 ng/ml, and nestlings exhibited up to 56% increase in α-tocopherol levels when blood Pb concentrations reached 170 ng/ml. Tocopherol seems to be a sensitive biomarker under an exposure to certain toxic elements (e.g. Pb, As, Tl).</p

Physiological effects of toxic elements on a wild nightjar species

Nightjars are considered human-tolerant species due to the population densities reached in strongly managed landscapes. However, no studies have been done evaluating metal-related effects on physiology, condition or fitness in any nightjar species. The main aim of this study was to evaluate how metal exposure affects physiology and condition in red-necked nightjar (Caprimulgus ruficollis) populations inhabiting three different environments in southeastern Spain: agricultural-urban area (n = 15 individuals), mining area (n = 17) and control area (n = 16).Increased plasma mineral levels (magnesium and calcium) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were observed in breeding females, and ALP was significantly higher in young birds due to bone growth and development. In the mining-impacted environment, nightjars showed decreased retinol (17.3 and 23.6 mu M in the mining area and control area), uric acid (28.8 and 48.6 mg/dl in the mining area and control area) and albumin (16.2 and 19.6 g/l in the mining area and control area), probably impaired by a combination of toxic metal exposure and low prey quantity/quality in that area. Moreover, they showed increased plasma tocopherol levels (53.4 and 38.6 μM in the mining area and control area) which may be a response to cope with metal-induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Blood concentrations of toxic metals (As, Pb, Cd and Hg) were negatively associated with calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, ALP, total proteins and body condition index. This could lead to metal-related disorders in mineral metabolism and ALP activity that may potentially increase the risk of skeletal pathologies and consequent risk of fractures in the long term, compromising the survival of individuals. Further studies need to be carried out to evaluate potential metal-related effects on the antioxidant status and bone mineralization of nightjars inhabiting mining environments.</p

Blood concentrations of p,p′-DDE and PCBs in harriers breeding in Spain and Kazakhstan

Organochlorine compounds (OC) are of interest in current biomonitoring studies because of their well-known persistence, accumulation capacity and the adverse effects they caused in the past. P,p′-DDE has been shown to cause severe reproductive failures and population declines in birds of prey. However, there are knowledge gaps regarding OC exposure for some species (e.g. harriers), the historical record and the broader picture. The main goal was to evaluate exposure to p,p′-DDE and PCBs in two raptor species: Montagu's and pallid harriers (Circus pygargus and Circus macrourus), and to investigate if birds from different breeding areas and wintering grounds differ in pollutant levels. For this purpose, we collected blood of adult and nestling Montagu's and pallid harriers breeding in the natural steppes of Kazakhstan, and adult and nestling Montagu's harriers breeding in agricultural and natural habitats of Spain, in 2007–2008. We determined the blood concentrations of p,p′-DDE and PCBs. Adult harriers generally showed higher concentrations of p,p′-DDE and PCBs than nestlings, probably because they had more time for a progressive accumulation of these compounds due to a higher intake than excretion rate. The p,p′-DDE concentrations in adults were equivalent in all the studied areas. The ratio p,p′-DDE/PCB 153 was higher in adults than in nestlings, suggesting that a portion of the p,p′-DDE in adult harriers may have come from p,p′-DDT applied in the past in the wintering areas. Overall, the concentrations of p,p′-DDE and ∑ PCBs reported were generally low and below any demonstrated threshold of harm.Silvia Espín is financially supported by the Academy of Finland (project 265859 to Dr. Tapio Eeva) and by the Consejería de Educación y Universidades de la CARM through Fundación Séneca-Agencia de Ciencia y Tecnología de la Región de Murcia (Project 20031/SF/16 to Dr. Silvia Espín)

Blood Toxic Elements and Effects on Plasma Vitamins and Carotenoids in Two Wild Bird Species: Turdus merula and Columba livia

Birds have historically suffered adverse effects by toxic elements, such as As, Pb, Hg, and Cd. However, reports on exposure to a wide range of elements, including rare earth elements and other minor elements of emerging concern, and the potential consequences for wildlife are still scarce. This study evaluates blood concentrations of 50 elements and their related effects on lutein and vitamin levels in the Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) and wild rock pigeon (Columba livia), inhabiting different scenarios of contaminant exposure. Blood concentrations of As, Cd, and Pb (and Mn in T. merula) were increased in both species captured in the mining area, compared to the control site. T. merula also showed increased As, Cd, and Pb concentrations in blood in the agricultural-urban area, as compared to the control area, together with the highest Hg levels, which could be related to agricultural practices and industrial activities. Decreases of 33 and 38% in the plasma retinol levels in T. merula inhabiting the mining and the agricultural-urban areas, respectively, as compared to the control site, were associated with increased Pb, As, and Cd exposure. This could be due to a metal-driven suppressive effect in retinol metabolism and/or its over-use for coping with metal-related oxidative stress

Blood toxic elements and effects on plasma vitamins and carotenoids in two wild bird species: Turdus merula and Columba livia

This article belongs to the Special Issue Wildlife Toxicology: An Update on Contaminant Exposure and Effects.Birds have historically suffered adverse effects by toxic elements, such as As, Pb, Hg, and Cd. However, reports on exposure to a wide range of elements, including rare earth elements and other minor elements of emerging concern, and the potential consequences for wildlife are still scarce. This study evaluates blood concentrations of 50 elements and their related effects on lutein and vitamin levels in the Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) and wild rock pigeon (Columba livia), inhabiting different scenarios of contaminant exposure. Blood concentrations of As, Cd, and Pb (and Mn in T. merula) were increased in both species captured in the mining area, compared to the control site. T. merula also showed increased As, Cd, and Pb concentrations in blood in the agricultural–urban area, as compared to the control area, together with the highest Hg levels, which could be related to agricultural practices and industrial activities. Decreases of 33 and 38% in the plasma retinol levels in T. merula inhabiting the mining and the agricultural–urban areas, respectively, as compared to the control site, were associated with increased Pb, As, and Cd exposure. This could be duThis research was funded by the Fundación Séneca—Agencia de Ciencia y Tecnología de la Región de Murcia (Saavedra-Fajardo Project 20031/SF/16 to S.Espín). S.Espín was financially supported by Fundación Séneca (20031/SF/16) and by Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (Juan de la Cierva-Incorporación contract, IJCI-2017-34653). P. Sánchez-Virosta was financially supported by Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (Juan de la Cierva-Formación contract, FJC2019-042357-I). The analysis of the vitamins was funded by University of Castilla-La Mancha (CGT13-0183). P. R. Camarero benefited from a contract, with reference PTA2017-14583-I, financed by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Innovation and CSIC. We thank the ERBFacility COST Action (CA16224) for providing an international network for researchers.Peer reviewe

Weasel exposure to the anticoagulant rodenticide bromadiolone in agrarian landscapes of southwestern Europe

Bromadiolone is an anticoagulant rodenticide (AR) commonly used as a plant protection product (PPP) against rodent pests in agricultural lands. ARs can be transferred trophically to predators/scavengers when they consume intoxicated live or dead rodents. ARs exposure in weasels Mustela nivalis, small mustelids specialized on rodent predation, is poorly known in southern Europe. Moreover, in this species there is no information on bioaccumulation of AR diastereomers e.g., cis- and trans-bromadiolone. Trans-bromadiolone is more persistent in the rodent liver and thus, is expected to have a greater probability of trophic transfer to predators. Here, we report on bromadiolone occurrence, total concentrations and diastereomers proportions (trans- and cis-bromadiolone) in weasels from Castilla y León (north-western Spain) collected in 2010–2017, where bromadiolone was irregularly applied to control outbreaks of common voles Microtus arvalis mainly with cereal grain bait distributed by the regional government. We also tested variables possibly associated with bromadiolone occurrence and concentration, such as individual features (e.g., sex), spatio-temporal variables (e.g., year), and exposure risk (e.g., vole outbreaks). Overall bromadiolone occurrence in weasels was 22% (n = 32, arithmetic mean of concentration of bromadiolone positives = 0.072 mg/kg). An individual showed signs of bromadiolone intoxication (i.e., evidence of macroscopic hemorrhages or hyperaemia and hepatic bromadiolone concentration > 0.1 mg/kg). All the exposed weasels (n = 7) showed only trans-bromadiolone diastereomer in liver, whilst a single analyzed bait from those applied in Castilla y León contained trans- and cis-bromadiolone at 65/35%. Bromadiolone occurrence and concentration in weasels varied yearly. Occurrence was higher in 2012 (100% of weasels), when bromadiolone was widely distributed, compared to 2016–2017 (2016: 20%; 2017: 8.33%) when bromadiolone was exceptionally permitted. The highest concentrations happened in 2014 and 2017, both years with vole outbreaks. Our findings indicate that specialist rodent predators could be exposed to bromadiolone in areas and periods with bromadiolone treatments against vole outbreaks.Francisco Díaz-Ruiz enjoyed a postdoctoral research contract “Juan de la Cierva” (ref: FJCI-2015-24949) from the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Competitiveness and a postdoctoral contract funded by the University of Málaga through the grants programme ‘Ayudas para la Incorporación de Doctores del I Plan Propio de Investigación de la Universidad de Málaga’ (Call 2020). Julio Domínguez was supported by a predoctoral grant: “Programa Talento Formación” funded by Fondo Social Europeo (FSE) and Castilla La Mancha regional government (JCCM) (ref: SBPLY/16/180501/000205).Peer reviewe

Registro español de nutrición enteral domiciliaria del año 2009; Grupo NADYA-SENPE

Objetivo: Describir las características de la Nutrición Enteral Domiciliaria (NED) en España, registrada por el grupo NADYA-SENPE durante el año 2009. Material y métodos: Recopilación y análisis descriptivo de los datos del registro de NED del grupo NADYASENPE desde el 1 de enero al 31 de diciembre de 2009. Resultados: Se registraron 6.540 pacientes, 5,11% más que en el año anterior y 6.649 episodios de NED (3.135 en mujeres, 47,93%) pertenecientes a 32 centros hospitalarios. Siendo 6.238 (95,38%) mayores de 14 años. La edad media en los menores de 14 años fue de 3,67 ± 2,86 y de 72,10 ± 16,89 en los mayores de 14 años. La enfermedad de base que se registró con más frecuencia fue la neurológica en 2.732 (41,77%) ocasiones, seguida de la neoplasia en 1838; 28,10%. La vía de acceso se registró en 1.123 (17,17%) de los episodios, siendo más frecuente la administración por sonda nasogástrica 562 (50,04%). El tiempo medio de tratamiento nutricional fue de 323 días (10,77 meses). Finalizaron 606 episodios de NED, siendo el motivo más frecuentes el fallecimiento del enfermo, lo que aconteció en 295 (48,68%) ocasiones y el paso a alimentación oral en 219 (36,14%). Los pacientes mantenían una actividad normal en 2162 episodios de NED (32,55%) y en 2468 (37,13%) hacían vida “cama-sillón”. El grado de dependencia fue “total” en 2598 (39,07%) de los episodios registrado. El suministro de la fórmula nutricional se realizó desde el hospital en 4.183 (62,91%) casos y por la farmacia de referencia en 2.262 (el 34,02%) y el material fungible se suministró desde el hospital en 3.531 (53,11%) de los casos. Conclusiones: El número de pacientes con NED registrados es superior al del año 2008, continuando con el incremento progresivo desde el inicio del registro. Las características de los mismos mantiene el mismo perfil que en años anteriores con pequeñas variaciones.Objective: To describe the Home Enteral Nutrition Characteristics (HEN) recorded by the group NADYASENPE during 2009. Material and methods: collection and analysis of the data voluntary recorded in the HEN registry from the NADYASENPE group from January 1st to December 31st. Results: 6.540 HEN patients were registered, 5.11% more than the previous year and 6,649 episodes (3,135 in women, 47,93%) from 32 different hospitals. 6,238 of them (95,38%) were over 14 years. The mean age of the patients under 14 yr was 3,67 ± 2,86 and it was 72,10 ± 16,89 in those over 14 yr group. The base illness registered more frequently was the neurological disorders in 2,732 (41,77%) patients, followed by cancer patients in 1,838; 28,10%. The enteral access route was registered in 1,123 (17,17%) of the episodes, being more frequent the administration by nasogastric tube 562 (50,04%). The mean length of nutritional treatment by episode was 323 days (10,77 months). 606 episodes of HEN ended, being the principal reasons for discontinuing treatment the patient death in 295 (48,68%) occasions. The transition to oral feeding occurred in 219 (36,14%) cases. Patients maintained normal activity in 2162 (32,55%) HEN episodes and 2,468 (37,13%) cases were living “bedcouch”. The level of dependence was “total” in 2,598 (39,07%) of the episodes recorded. The nutritional formula was provided by the hospital in 4,183 (62,91%) cases and by the reference pharmacy in 2,262 (el 34,02%). Consumables were provided by the hospital in 3,531 (53,11%) cases. Conclusions: The number of HEN patients recorded increased from the year 2008, continuing the gradual growth increase since the start of registration. The characteristics of the patients remain in the same profile as in previous years