From 23 to 25 July 2002, 98–103 newly hatched black-bellied whistling ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis) were observed alive at an inland saline lake (La Sal Vieja) in Willacy County, Texas (USA). Seventy-one (71%) died after showing signs indicative of sodium toxicity within 5 hr of entering the water; some died within minutes. Six carcasses were sent to the United States Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center (Madison, Wisconsin, USA) for analysis, and brain sodium levels of all ducklings were above 2,000 parts per million wet weight. More black-bellied whistling duck ducklings are likely to have been affected, but they were not observed after hatching.
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Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Vol. 40 • No. 3
July 2004
Vol. 40 • No. 3
July 2004
black-bellied whistling duck
Dendrocygna autumnalis
duckling mortality
hypersaline lake
salinity
salt poisoning
sodium toxicity