Lead Shot Poisoning of a Pacific Loon in Alaska

H. M. Wilson; J. L. Oyen; L. Sileo

doi:10.7589/0090-3558-40.3.600

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1 July 2004 Lead Shot Poisoning of a Pacific Loon in Alaska

H. M. Wilson, J. L. Oyen, L. Sileo

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J. of Wildlife Diseases, 40(3):600-602 (2004). https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-40.3.600

Abstract

Lead poisoning, associated with ingestion of spent lead shot, was diagnosed in an adult female Pacific loon (Gavia pacifica) observed with partial paralysis on 13 June 2002 and found dead on 16 June 2002 on Kigigak Island, Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, western Alaska, USA. A necropsy revealed three pellets of ingested lead shot in the loon's gizzard and a lead liver concentration of 31 ppm wet weight, which was consistent with metallic lead poisoning. This is the first report of lead poisoning in a Pacific loon and is the only account of lead toxicosis associated with ingestion of lead shot in any loon species breeding in Alaska.

Wilson, Oyen, and Sileo: Lead Shot Poisoning of a Pacific Loon in Alaska

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H. M. Wilson, J. L. Oyen, and L. Sileo "Lead Shot Poisoning of a Pacific Loon in Alaska," Journal of Wildlife Diseases 40(3), 600-602, (1 July 2004). https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-40.3.600

Received: 4 August 2003; Published: 1 July 2004

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