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- Title
MONITORING OF EXPOSURE TO TOXINS IN RAPTORS IN ALBANIA.
- Authors
KORRO, K.; LUGAJ, A.; MAVROMATI, J.; BIMO, T.; XEKA, E.; PANTOVIC, U.; ANDEVSKI, J.
- Abstract
Raptors are large carnivorous birds, most well known for their scavenging nature. This study evaluates the level of exposure to toxins in raptors and vultures in Albania to assess whether existing legislation and regulations are effectively protecting vultures and other wildlife in Albania. During 2014-2018, at the Wildlife Animals Laboratory, Agriculture University of Tirana, Albania, 35 birds (Circaetus gallicus, Gyps fulvus, Gypaetus barbatus) were tested for exposure to toxins. The results indicated elevated blood lead levels in 65.7% of sampled raptors, while in 17.1% there was evidence of exposure to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac, based on visceral gout and the presence of cases with high serum uric acid concentration. Other injuries were found in 17.1% of raptors, with the most frequent being physical damage, traumatic injuries, or fractures caused by farmers, shooting, electric burn injuries from electrocution, injuries from collisions, etc. The results suggest that lead poisoning in raptors could be one of the main reasons for the observed declines in vulture populations in Albania. Furthermore, the apparent evidence for exposure to NSAIDs is concerning and requires further investigation.
- Subjects
ALBANIA; ELECTRICAL injuries; TOXINS; ELECTRICAL burns; LEAD poisoning; URIC acid; BIRDS of prey; VULTURES
- Publication
Bulgarian Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 2023, Vol 26, Issue 3, p390
- ISSN
1311-1477
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.15547/bjvm.2021-0063