Avian species

Concentrations of PCBs in fish from each of the Great Lakes currently exceed the GLWQA objectives for the protection of aquatic life. Similarly, concentrations of some substances (e.g., PCBs, Hg, mirex, toxaphene) in Great Lakes fish continue to exceed acceptable guidelines for human consumption. Documented effects in the Great Lakes include reproductive failure, congenital abnormalities and induction of tumours in various aquatic, terrestrial and avian species (23). 

Fleming, W.J. and Grue, C.E. (1981). Recovery of cholinesterase activity in 5 avian species exposed to dicrotophos, an organo-phosphorus pesticide. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology 16,129-135. 

Chlamydia psittaci is the causal organism of psittacosis or ornithosis and occurs mainly in the parrot family (hence psittacosis), but it is now known to be found in other avian species (hence ornithosis). It is often found in persons who work in pet shops selling parrots and budgerigars, and can be fatal. 

Specifications for nest box placement and predator guards should also be included. Specifics of nest box placement will depend on the behavior of avian species being monitored. Inter-box distances and orientation to test areas are two parameters that may vary widely with the organism being smdied. Predators vary from area to area, and if nest boxes are near tree canopies, predation from above may in fact be the dominant route of predator intrusion rather than the standard access from the ground. 

Table 2 Diazinon concentrations in gastrointestinal tracts of avian species inhabiting apple orchards following multiple treatments...

Distributions of pesticide concentrations in potential food items for avian species are required to estimate the contribution of food to exposure of birds in different regions where the test chemical may be used. On treated fields, detectable CEF residues were found in 102 of 207 earthworm samples. No earthworm samples collected from control fields (N = 28) contained detectable CEF. Average CEF concentrations in earthworms reached maxima 1-4 days post-application (Table 3). Mean CEF residues in earthworms fell below 0.1 qg g after 8 days post-application. This... 

Figure 6.16 Top Electron micrographs of iron-overloaded human spleen (a) and of an avian species (Order passeriformes) (b), showing clumps of densely stained material throughout the tissue, haemosiderin. Bottom Electron micrographs of siderosomes from (a) human spleen and (b) an avian species (Order passeriformes). Iron-rich particles can be seen within the membrane-bound structure. Hexagonal arrangements and clusters of unbound ferritin are also seen. Unstained, magnification x 120000. Reprinted from Ward etal., 2000. Copyright (2000), with permission from Elsevier Science.

Beyer, W.N., J.W. Spann, L. Sileo, and J.C. Franson. 1988. Lead poisoning in six captive avian species. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 17 121-130. 

LD50 values, based on a single oral dose, ranged from 5 to 157 mg chlorpyrifos/kg body weight (BW) in birds, and from 151 to 1000 in mammals. However, 7 of 14 avian species had reported LD50 values of <25.0 mg/kg BW (Table 14.5). As little as 2 mg/kg BW to nestling red-winged... 

Total bird numbers on treated plots decreased. Some of the decrease (2-3%) was due to death, but most represented movements of birds in reaction to a reduction in their arthropod food. Brain cholinesterase levels in several avian species were depressed 1 week posttreatment (Mullie and Keith 1993)... 

Henshel, D.S. 1998. Developmental neurotoxic effects of dioxin and dioxin-like compounds on domestic and wild avian species. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 17 88-98. 

Brunstrom, B., D. Broman, and C. Naf. 1990. Embryotoxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in three domestic avian species, and of PAHs and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the common eider. Environ. Pollut. 67 133-143. 

Brunstrom, B. and L. Reutergardh. 1986. Differences in sensitivity of some avian species to the embryotoxicity of a PCB, 3,3, 4,4 -tetrachlorobiphenyl, injected into the eggs. Environ. Pollut. 42A 37-45. 

The expanding field of avian immunoecology has provided strong evidence that suppressed immunity leads to ecologically relevant consequences in wild birds. In a review of 12 immune function studies, immune responses were the most significant predictors of subsequent survival of young wild birds [107], In an assessment of 280 introduction attempts in 38 avian species, immunocompetence as assessed by the PHA skin response was an important positive predictor of the ability of birds to colonize new areas (i.e., found new local populations) [108], Similar assessments of survival, fitness, and dispersal ability should be conducted within the context of immunotoxicological studies of wild birds. 

Population Ecology and Wildlife Toxicology of Agricultural Pesticide Use A Modeling Initiative for Avian Species. Kiawah Island, South Carolina, 22 to 27 Jul 1990. Published as a SETAC Special Publication by Lewis Publishers, 1994. 

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