Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Signs and treatment of zinc poisoning in tufted puffins and auklets
By McLaughlin, Alicia & Hadfield, Catherine·Published in Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine : official publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians·2025·Seattle Aquarium, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: MANAGEMENT OF SUSPECTED ZINC TOXICITY IN A MIXED ALCID COLLECTION (,, AND).
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
Two tufted puffins in a zoo showed signs of weakness, unsteady movements, and not wanting to eat. Tests revealed they had zinc poisoning, likely from contaminated grit in their habitat, which had high levels of zinc due to an old protective coating. All the puffins were treated with a medication called dimercaptosuccinic acid, which helped them recover completely. After the treatment, the birds were moved to a safer environment, and the contaminated materials were removed, leading to fewer health issues in the group.
People also search for: puffin weakness treatment · zinc poisoning in birds · tufted puffin care
Abstract
Two tufted puffins () in a zoological collection of 10 birds presented with signs of weakness, ataxia, and decreased appetite. Diagnostic test results were supportive of zinc toxicosis. The remaining birds in the enclosure (four other tufted puffins, three common murres [], and one rhinoceros auklet []) were assessed, with plasma zinc levels ranging from 2.7 to 5.0 parts per million (ppm; 41.3-76.5 µmol/L). Possible environmental sources of zinc were investigated, including food, medications, seawater, plants, substrates, and habitat lining. Extremely high levels of zinc were found in the habitat sediment and lining (611,365 ppm at one site). A zinc coating had been applied to the habitat decades previously to reduce corrosion; the coating had eroded and contaminated grit was being ingested. All birds received chelation therapy with dimercaptosuccinic acid. A dosage of 50 mg/kg PO q24h appeared most effective and resolved all clinical signs. Long-term pulsatile use (months to years) was not associated with any complications. The birds were moved out of the habitat, the accessible lining was removed, the habitat was resealed, and any remaining sediment was flushed and removed prior to returning the birds. Morbidity and mortality in the group have decreased following this intervention. This case series highlights the importance of including veterinary professionals in the design and renovation plans for zoological enclosures.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41065704/