Bald Eagle
The fourth Bald Eagle of 2016 was admitted this past Monday. At 411 micrograms/deciliter, his blood lead level was the highest ever measured at BMW. Despite an aggressive lead treatment plan, the eagle died on Friday.
A blood lead level of 20 micrograms/deciliter is considered toxic in birds. The Bald Eagles admitted this year have had blood lead levels of 209, 23.5, 26.3 and 411. To put this into perspective, a peer reviewed study in the American Journal of Public Health (Feb. 2016, Vol 106, No. 2) documented elevated blood lead levels of 5 -10 micrograms/deciliter in children (under 5 years of age) in Flint Michigan who were most affected by lead contaminated water. There is grave concern regarding the life-long effects of lead poisoning in these children.
Lead is a potent neurotoxin. There is increasing recognition that no identifiable blood lead level is safe and without negative and irreversible health outcomes. Multiple factors effect the absorption of ingested lead including age and nutritional status of the individual and dose and particle size of the lead.
Lead has been removed from gasoline and paint and was restricted in plumbing material in 1986. Another source of ingested lead is meat from game animals shot with lead ammunition. Game meat is generally leaner than domesticated animals and does not contain the chemicals associated with confinement rearing of livestock. The easiest way to ensure that your family is reaping the benefits of wild game meat, without being exposed to lead, is to hunt with non-lead ammunition.
Flying Free
There’s no better way to boost sagging spirits than to watch rehabilitated birds fly free. That was the case for three Red-tailed Hawks and two Great Horned Owls.
Save the Date and Win this Awesome Door Prize
Volunteer Meeting
Richland Public Library
Saturday, March 19, 2-4 p.m.
955 Northgate Dr, Richland, WA
