Another case of lead poisoning in an Eagle. Thanks to ECO Daniel Franz, this girl found her way to FFF. Unable to stand with lead toxicity she was given one round of therapy so far and she is responding well and is on her feet today. She is not out of the woods yet and will need continued treatment. It’s always a long unknown road ahead for these birds.
A lead fragment the size of a grain of rice is lethal to Eagles. The deadly metal accumulates in an eagle’s system and even a small exposure to lead can cause devastating illness in eagles. Common symptoms include brain swelling, respiratory distress, muscle weakness, dehydration, starvation, kidney and liver damage, and seizures. Associated neurological damage can result in loss of vision, coordination, and nerve function.
Research on lead toxicosis in bald eagles shows that these exposures are unintended consequences from lead ammunition fragments and lead fishing tackle that are left behind in the field, meaning that fragments may exist in gut piles left behind in the field. PLEASE think about swapping out lead ammunition for copper. Let wild be wild.
Editor’s Note: Manufactured lead is poisonous in people as well. To be clear, Galena (or the natural form of lead, exists naturally in the earth in the amounts nature requires). What is this industrial toxic heavy metal still doing in anything? We need to put an end to toxic chemicals in commercials products and food once and for all. These metals leak into soil and water contaminating the entire planet making everyone sick. Sounds like a pandemic. Even the CDC acknowledges lead poisoning causes nervous system and brain disorders. Remember when it was considered safe and effective in leaded gasoline and paints? — mmd
