Epidemiology of Animal Poisonings in the Canary Islands (Spain) during the Period 2014–2021

Abstract

Animal poisoning is one of the greatest conservation threats facing wildlife. In a preliminary study in the oceanic archipelago of the Canary Islands, we showed that the degree of threat from this circumstance was very high-even higher than that reported in other regions of continental Europe. Consequently, a legal framework for the effective prosecution of the crime of wildlife poisoning came into force in 2014 in this region. We present the results of the investigation of 961 animals and 84 baits sent to our laboratory for the diagnosis of animal poisonings during the period 2014–2021. We were able to identify poison as the cause of death in 251 animals and 61 baits. Carbofuran stands out as the main agent used in this archipelago. We have also detected an increasing tendency to use mixtures of several pesticides in the preparation of baits. The entry into operation of two canine patrols has led to the detection of more dead animals in the wild and a greater number of poisoned animals. The percentage of poison positives is significantly higher in areas with lower population density, corresponding to rural environments, as well as in areas with greater agricultural and livestock activity.

Post-Mortem Dental Profile as a Powerful Tool in Animal Forensic Investigations—A Review

“…There have been extensive studies of some forms of ‘human-induced’ damage to animals; for example, non-accidental injury caused to dogs and cats [ 9 , 10 ], the effects of traps and snares [ 11 , 12 ], poisoning [ 13 , 14 ], and shooting on wildlife [ 12 , 15 ]. Death, injury, health concerns, pain, or distress may result from most of the examples cited above but the implications may differ depending on the species and the circumstances surrounding the attack [ 2 , 16 ].…”

Perception of Animal Abuse among Adolescents: Influence of Social and Demographic Factors

“…These include cattle, bulls, lambs, horses and different species of birds (ducks) [ 4 ]. This cultural background could translate into other forms of animal abuse, including intentional poisoning of domestic animals and wildlife, and animal abandonment [ 2 , 5 , 6 ].…”

“…According to the data provided by the main animal shelter on the island of Gran Canaria (the most populated island of the archipelago), a total of 1370 dogs and 635 cats were registered by the end of the year 2022. Similarly, the incidence of poisoning in the Canary Islands is currently one of the highest reported at any region of the European Union [ 6 ].…”

White-Tailed Eagles’ (Haliaeetus albicilla) Exposure to Anticoagulant Rodenticides and Causes of Poisoning in Poland (2018–2020)

“…Gomez et al [19] also pointed out the lack of data from Eastern European regions. For many years, carbofuran or other carbamate pesticides, such as aldicarb or bendiocarb, have been the most detected analytes in cases of fatal wildlife poisoning [25][26][27][28]. However, in addition to these, ARs are often also detected in birds of prey.…”