Toxins
Ostrich
Ostriches consume bones of dead animals to meet mineral requirements(1). Sometimes, Clostridium botulinum can be found on the bodies of these dead animals, and ostriches may be exposed to this toxin(1). Exposure may cause paralysis and death of the ostrich(1). Ingestion of heavy metals (iron, zinc, lead and copper) can lead to poisoning(1). Ingestion of a large quantity can lead to pancreatic necrosis, haemosiderosis of the liver and spleen (which is an excess of iron), pancreatic atrophy(1). Consumption of some plants can also be poisonous(1). Large quantities of parsely can cause an accumulation of furanocoumarins, which is the toxic component of this plant(1). Avocado leaves and fruit caused epicardial edema and myocardial degeneration in young chicks(1). Milkweed consumption can lead to heart failure with neck and head edema(1). Ostriches are attracted to shiny objects, so they can mistakenly consume items such as nails or pieces of wire which can cause obstructions or penetrate the proventriculus/gizzard(1). |
Flamingo
Flamingos may ingest lead pellets as grit when feeding(2). This can lead to lead poisoning and eventually death(2). One study examined 22 dead flamingos, and found 100 lead pellets in the gizzards of 5 of them, and 328 pellets in one(2)! |
References:
- Huchzermeyer FW. Diseases of Ostriches and other Ratites. South Africa: PROMEDIA; 1998.
- Johnson A, Cézilly F. The greater flamingo. London: T&A D Poyser; 2007.
- "Ostrich (Struthio Camelus)." Arkive. Web. Accessed: 26 Feb. 2015. [http://www.arkive.org/ostrich/struthio-camelus/].
- "Greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)." Arkive. Web. Accessed: 26 Feb. 2015. [http://www.arkive.org/greater-flamingo/phoenicopterus-roseus/]