Hello Parrothead. Thanks for your post.
It is really an increase in awareness of the damages that lead recreational hunting ammunition and fishing tackle has on wildlife, and on several species of raptors but bald eagles in particular. Many studies have been performed and the overwhelming results show that ingested lead particles can severely impact them.
Bald eagles have very strong stomach acids and those same strong stomach acids break down lead and then lead is absorbed into the blood stream. Primary lead exposure is caused by the animal eating lead directly, mistaking it for food or grit. Secondary lead exposure comes from the animal eating another animal that contains lead. Studies have documented that a very small amount of ingested lead by an eagle is lethal. Less than 200mg of lead can cause death.
Some symptoms of lead poisoning can be lethargy and weak and are unable to stand, eat or fly, attacking the nervous system, brain swelling, collisions, seizures, respiratory distress, and vision impairment. Often, by the time these symptoms are visible, it may be too late and it will not survive, even if Chelation Therapy is administered. Some studies show that for every 1 bird caught, tested and treated for lead poisoning - 9 are not.
And, young children and pregnant women absorb more lead than do adult males.
I hope this explanation will help in some small way. Please feel free to post any other questions you may have and use any of the links provided above. SOAR's Website has some great information as well.
http://www.soarraptors.org/
