Wisconsin Seeing Increase In Lead Poisoning In Bald Eagles, Swans And Geese

February 24, 2015- Despite a 1991 statewide ban for lead use in waterfowl hunting, lead poisoning in birds is a growing concern for the Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) in Madison, Wisconsin.

In a recently published online article, "DCHS Is Seeing An Increase In Lead Poisoning," WKOW.com looks at a shelter where in January two bald eagles were treated for lead poisoning, one of which died.

Shortly thereafter, three swans and a goose were diagnosed with lead poisoning. All five birds are being treated with Chelation therapy, which is an injection of a medication that binds to the lead so it can be excreted from the body.

"In the past couple years I can only think of two other lead poisoning cases that we've encountered,” said Brooke Lewis, the wildlife specialist at the Dane County Humane Society, quoted in the post. "So to have five at once is very unusual.”

The DCHS says the birds suffering from lead poisoning serve as an important reminder of using non lead fishing gear and ammunition.

"Lead used to be used in water fowl hunting," Lewis said. "It was banned in 1991, which was great but unfortunately some of the lead still remains in the bottom of the waterways."

There is hope that all five birds will recover and be returned to the wild. Currently the swans are stable, but not eating on their own.

The post notes that the humane society is caring for an injured owl in addition to the five lead-poisoned birds, so they're in need of donations to help with food and medication.

Visit www.giveshelter.org to make your online contribution. Select "Four Lakes Wildlife Center" and please type "Bald Eagle, Swans or Goose" in the comment section.

You can also mail or drop off your donation at Dane County Humane Society's main shelter (5132 Voges Road, Madison, WI 53718), with "Bald Eagle, Swans, or Goose" in the subject line.

Read the full WKOW.com post here.

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