Raptor Trauma Clinic Team Collaborates with University of Georgia Researchers on Rodenticide Study

The Audubon Middle for Birds of Prey collaborates with researchers across the nation to contribute knowledge to raptor conservation initiatives. By partnering on these initiatives, our conservation efforts go far past the greater than 700 birds we deal with annually in our Raptor Trauma Clinic, probably impacting generations of raptors in Florida and across the U.S.

This 12 months, the Middle is collaborating with researchers Aidan O’Reilly and Nicole Nemeth from the College of Georgia on a research investigating the scientific results and outcomes of anticoagulant rodenticide exposures in raptors. Blood samples from bigger sufferers within the Middle’s Raptor Trauma Clinic (Bald Eagles, Purple-tailed Hawks, and Nice Horned Owls) will likely be collected to check clotting parameters, with the hope of linking them to noticed signs. Serum samples may also be taken and despatched to a lab to check for the presence of rodenticide toxins within the blood.

Raptors, particularly bigger species, are vulnerable to ingesting giant quantities of poisons on account of their place atop the meals chain. These species usually tend to eat sick or lifeless rats which have ingested these toxins, changing into unintentional casualties of rodenticide.

Rodenticides work by stopping the clotting of blood, resulting in inner and exterior bleeding and, with out intervention, probably loss of life. Signs in affected birds can embody lethargy, weak spot, bleeding (inner or exterior), neurological indicators (seizures/tremors or paralysis), bruising/hematoma, lack of urge for food, vomiting, and problem respiratory. Many sufferers are in a position to recuperate with supportive care, vitamin Ok, yinnan biao (a conventional Chinese language herb), fluids, or blood transfusion.

By studying extra in regards to the scientific results of those toxins on raptors, we are able to higher perceive the hazard these birds face and supply proof supporting the discount or banning of sure kinds of rodenticide.