When we rescued a sick Trumpeter Swan, we suspected it was suffering from lead poisoning, so we took it to a veterinarian for treatment. Blood tests and x-rays confirmed our fears, the beautiful bird had lead pellets in it’s gizzard. Once discharged from hunters’ guns, lead shot sinks to the bottom of lakes,rivers and estuaries and is consumed by waterfowl seeking a source of grit. When the results of the bloodsamples were received from the Ministry of Agriculture, the normal avian blood lead was given as 20- 200 ppb.
Intensive treatment was started to try to save the swan, which included giving two shots per day, administering antibiotics and tube feeding. Sadly our efforts were in vain, and the swan died 16 days later.
It is very distressing trying to save the life of a bird that has become sick due to humans. If only people could see the results of their actions!