Lead Poisoning In Pennsylvania Bald Eagles On The Rise

By Ammoland Editor Joe Evans

USA -(Ammoland.com)- An increasing number of bald eagles have been admitted to wildlife-rehabilitation centers across Pennsylvania exhibiting signs of illness such as weakness, lethargy, emaciation, labored respiration and drooping wings. Blood tests often reveal that the eagles are suffering from lead toxicity.

Lead poisoning occurs when toxic levels of lead are absorbed into the body.

Raptors are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning because when they ingest lead particles, the acidic nature of their stomach causes rapid absorption of the metal, said Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Veterinarian Justin Brown.

“Lead poisoning is a debilitating disease in bald eagles,” said Brown. “You have this powerful bird and you find it in the field – limp and weak. You can pick it up and it doesn’t even know you are there.”

After a blood test reveals that a bald eagle has lead toxicity, intensive treatments can begin. Drugs treatments can take the metal out of the body’s tissue and blood. And if metal is detected in an eagle’s digestive system, it can be flushed out and removed. But treatment often is unsuccessful because the eagles have already absorbed too much lead.

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Source:: AmmoLand