Suspected lead poisoning in two captive cheetahs (<i>Acinonyx jubatus jubatus</i>) in South Africa, in 2008 and 2013

Abstract

Whilst lead poisoning in raptors, scavenging birds and waterfowl is well studied and common knowledge, there is surprisingly little literature detailing the risk to mammalian scavengers and captive carnivores fed hunted meat. This case report describes the death of two captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus) following acute onset of nervous symptoms. Clinical signs included hyper-excitability, seizures, arched back, tail held abnormally high and hyper-salivation. Necropsy findings included bullets or a bullet in their stomachs. Kidney and liver lead levels from one cheetah (15.6 ppm and 17 ppm respectively) were consistent with a diagnosis of lead poisoning; liver from the second cheetah was not available for testing. Both animals were routinely fed hunted antelope or game birds. This is the first report of oral lead poisoning in captive large carnivores, although these are unlikely to be the first cases. Without awareness of the risks of feeding hunted game, lead exposure will continue to be an underdiagnosed reality in the rehabilitation of endangered carnivores.

Assessing Lead (Pb) Residues in Lohi Sheep and its Impact on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters

“…The consumption of Pb-contaminated meat usually produces cumulative effects on consumers [12]. The edible offal and muscle Pb concentration was higher than the permissible limits of 0.1 mg/kg for muscle meat and 0.5 mg/Kg for offal as set by WHO, FAO, and E.O.S [20][21] in the present study. The similar findings of higher Pb concentrations were also observed by other researchers [22][23][24] in edible offal and muscles of sheep and other food animals.…”

High blood lead concentrations in captive Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii): a threat to the conservation of the species?

“…2 Ingestion of unclaimed shot animals, body parts discarded by hunters and bullet/wound channel, which is the penetrating wound inflicted by the bullet, are the most likely causes of high lead concentrations in wildlife. 2,3 Two cases of suspected lead toxicosis were reported in captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus) at a rehabilitation and breeding program in South Africa, with food given to the cheetahs (i.e. shot antelopes, birds, feral donkeys and horses) suspected to contain whole bullets or fragments.…”

“…shot antelopes, birds, feral donkeys and horses) suspected to contain whole bullets or fragments. 3 A later study showed that feeding hunting dogs the trimmings of lead-shot game might present a risk of lead intoxication, and recommended not feeding domestic or wild animals with trimmings close to the wound channel. 4 Clinical lead toxicosis can result in neurological signs (dullness, muscular tremors, ataxia, convulsions and coma), anaemia, renal dysfunction including Fanconi's syndrome and impaired bone mineralisation and healing with increased risk of fracture in both birds and mammals.…”

“…Mammals and birds are the most commonly affected species in captivity, but wild fishes, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates have also been shown to have high concentrations of lead . Ingestion of unclaimed shot animals, body parts discarded by hunters and bullet/wound channel, which is the penetrating wound inflicted by the bullet, are the most likely causes of high lead concentrations in wildlife . Two cases of suspected lead toxicosis were reported in captive cheetahs ( Acinonyx jubatus jubatus ) at a rehabilitation and breeding program in South Africa, with food given to the cheetahs (i.e.…”

“…Two cases of suspected lead toxicosis were reported in captive cheetahs ( Acinonyx jubatus jubatus ) at a rehabilitation and breeding program in South Africa, with food given to the cheetahs (i.e. shot antelopes, birds, feral donkeys and horses) suspected to contain whole bullets or fragments . A later study showed that feeding hunting dogs the trimmings of lead‐shot game might present a risk of lead intoxication, and recommended not feeding domestic or wild animals with trimmings close to the wound channel …”