Lead shot poisoning of a Pacific loon in Alaska

Journal of Wildlife Diseases
By: , and 

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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 loona'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.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Lead shot poisoning of a Pacific loon in Alaska
Series title Journal of Wildlife Diseases
DOI 10.7589/0090-3558-40.3.600
Volume 40
Issue 3
Year Published 2004
Language English
Publisher Wildlife Disease Association
Contributing office(s) National Wildlife Health Center
Description 3 p.
First page 600
Last page 602
Country United States
State Alaska
Other Geospatial Kigigak Island
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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