|
The 'Save the Tasmanian Devil Program' of the Tasmanian Government commissioned an independent review of a small study of chemical residues in 23 devils affected with Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) and 22 unaffected devils. Depending on cost and sample size, chemicals were measured in either 8 or 16 DFTD positive (+ve) and DFTD negative (–ve) animals.
A range of persistent chemicals were measured. Most animals had detectable residues in their fat or liver of: dioxins, dibenzofurans, PCBs, brominated diphenyl ethers, arsenic, cadmium and lead. No residues were found for 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate). Two of 32 had DDE. One had mercury. No detectable residues were found for a further 27 herbicides and pesticides.
Little is known of persistent chemical levels in devils. However, residues of these chemicals are expected in most humans, terrestrial animals, birds and fish. Most accumulate in the food chain and are at their highest levels in animals at the top of the food chain such as humans, birds of prey and carnivores such as the Tasmanian devil.
The ranges and concentrations of the chemicals in devils are similar to those found in top-of-the-food-chain species. There were no significant differences between chemicals in DFTD +ve and DFTD –ve animals. A small number of chemicals may warrant further investigation including arsenic and some of the brominated diphenyl ethers.
The results will be of interest to scientists involved in human health and ecological risk assessments of animals. However, they do not show a link between chemicals and DFTD.
This report by Dr Tony Ross, a specialist veterinary pathologist, was one of two commissioned by Save the Tasmanian Devil.
View the report here.
Editor's Note: Original news release can be found here.
|
