Incidental poisoning of animals by carbamates in the Czech Republic

Abstract

Illegal poisoning of wildlife and domestic animals is a worldwide issue. The carbamates primarily used as pesticides are often misused for such a purpose. In this study, 181 birds, mammals and baits were analysed over the period 2004-09 for possible intoxication by carbamates. Intoxication by carbamate carbofuran was diagnosed in 89 cases, and in another 19 cases (nine Wild Boars and 10 Bisons) intoxication with another carbamate-methomyl-was proven. Incidental ingestion of the marten bait was the main cause of intoxication. Although the distribution of carbofuran was prohibited in 2007, no decline in the number of intoxicated animals in the following two years was detected. New cases of intoxication by carbofuran are anticipated in the future until all remaining stock is expended.

Poisoning of cats and dogs by the carbamate pesticides aldicarb and carbofuran

“…From those, in humans, there were 2439 suicide attempts, 1308 work accidents, 38 cases of homicide cases, 1290 of accidental poisoning, 111 environmental accidents and 277 from other causes (food poisoning, error of administration, attempt of abortion, self-medication, among others), and similar scenario is also found in other countries (Bucaretchi et al, 2012;Leibson and Lifshitz, 2008;MacFarlane et al, 2011;Nelson et al, 2001;Proença et al, 2004). Regarding cases of accidental poisoning of cattle and sheep (Frazier et al, 1999;Grendon et al, 1994) and cases of intentional poisoning of pets (de Siqueira et al, 2012;Motas-Guzmán et al, 2003;Novotný et al, 2011;Xavier et al, 2007c), the literature suggests the SINITOX data may not represent the actual scenario of domestic animals poisoning in Brazil, as discussed in previous studies (Xavier et al, 2007b,c). It is aggravated by the illicit sale of carbamates aldicarb and carbofuran.…”

“…Aldicarb and carbofuran are known for their action as reversible inhibitors of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme (Baron and Merriam, 1988;Risher et al, 1987). They are commonly and illegally used for killing animals and people (Motas-Guzmán et al, 2003;Novotný et al, 2011;Rebelo et al, 2011;Xavier et al, 2007c); used as a suicide/homicide method (Proença et al, 2004;Rizos et al, 2004) or misused as illegal rodenticide (Campelo and Caldas, 2010;Centers for Disease and Prevention, 1997;Lima and Reis, 1995;Nelson et al, 2001;Rebelo et al, 2011). These substances are easily obtained and readily consumed by the target species because they can be easily mixed with canned pet food, meat, fish and put inside sausage, which is frequently utilized as bait, generally in a single lethal dose (Frazier et al, 1999;Motas-Guzmán et al, 2003;Xavier et al, 2007b,c).…”

“…The majority of the animals fatally poisoned by carbamates usually presents a set of non-specific gross and histopathological findings, such as systemic congestion and multiple areas of haemorrhage (Grendon et al, 1994;Novotný et al, 2011;Xavier et al, 2007b). Although gross and histopathological analyses are commonly impaired by the conservation of the body, such as freezing, or autolysis and putrefaction due to the exposure to environmental conditions, a thorough necropsy and a histopathological analysis are crucial for investigating diseases or other potential cause of death (Fierro, 2005;Munro, 1998;Chatelain et al, 2012).…”

Inhibitory Effect of Carbofuran Furadan 3G on the Cocoon Production and Viability in Pheretima javanica Gates

“…In Malaysia, carbofuran even detected in river, sea and ground water in pollution-free areas [5]. From Czech Republic it was reported that the number of intoxicated animals did not decline even though carbofuran use has banned for two years [6].…”

Determination of methomyl in the stomach contents of baited wildlife by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

“…2,14 Animals such as birds of prey and predatory mammals are exposed to carbamate pesticides primarily through the consumption of contaminated carcasses, whereas nuisance wildlife and companion animals are generally exposed through the ingestion of pesticide-treated bait. 4,7,9,12,14,15 It is important to state that intentional baiting of nuisance wildlife with pesticide products, unless clearly defined as an intended use by the label, is considered an off-label misuse and carries legal consequences.…”