Evaluating Toxin Risk to Egyptian Vultures

Mass die-offs of vultures in Asia have been linked to the consumption of livestock carcasses containing veterinary pharmaceuticals. Researchers want to know if this threat can be extended to vultures consuming livestock feces containing veterinary drug residues. By observing vultures in the wild, the team will assess the amount of feces vultures eat and how often. The team will conduct laboratory analyses of livestock feces to determine whether veterinary drugs are present and at what concentrations. Findings will inform further work with conservation organizations, farmers, veterinarians and land managers to implement risk management and aversion measures to reduce the risk of exposing vultures, other wildlife and the wider environment, to contaminants derived from veterinary products.