ORGANOPHOSPHORUS POISONING - CHRONIC FREEDING OF SOME COMMON PESTICIDES TO PHEASNTS AND PIGEONS

Pheasants and pigeons have been fed for varying periods with food dressed with 100 p.p.m. of demeton-methyl, diazinon, dimethoate, or phorate. Esterase levels have been measured both in liver and brain extracts and blood plasma. Electrophoresis coupled with histochemical staining has been carried out on liver, kidney, and brain extracts to demonstrate inhibition. Pesticide residue analysis of liver, fat, and breast muscle was undertaken. No deaths occurred as a result of feeding but esterase levels were altered. These together with the electrophoretic results provide a diagnostic pattern different from that found in fatally poisoned birds. The differing toxicities of the four pesticides and the relative susceptibility of the two species to pesticide intoxication are discussed. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.