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29 March 2020 Use of Margarine for the Successful Removal of Polyisobutylene in an Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) and Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
Cameron M. Ratliff, Annalisa Hernandez, Christopher B. Watson, David E. Bergbreiter, Sharon Schmalz, Rachel Rech, J. Jill Heatley
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Abstract

Two great blue herons (Ardea herodias) and an anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) were presented to the Wildlife Center of Texas with extensive plumage soiling from polyisobutylene (PIB), a synthetic rubber polymer used in manufacturing. All animals were provided supportive care and sedated for evaluation for hematologic and plasma biochemical values; one of the great blue herons was critically ill, based on the diagnostic evaluations and died approximately 24 hours after admission. On postmortem examination, it was diagnosed with coelomic migration of Eustrongylides species resulting in verminous peritonitis that was likely the primary cause of its poor condition and death, rather than the PIB exposure. Standard decontamination efforts with commercial liquid dish soap were unsuccessful. Application of margarine was used to emulsify the PIB on the remaining 2 birds and was followed by standard wash protocols for successful removal. These animals were successfully released after decontamination. The use of margarine for decontamination of PIB is unreported and could prove useful in future decontamination events in birds and other wildlife when traditional methods to remove hydrocarbon compounds are unsuccessful.

© 2020 by the Association of Avian Veterinarians
Cameron M. Ratliff, Annalisa Hernandez, Christopher B. Watson, David E. Bergbreiter, Sharon Schmalz, Rachel Rech, and J. Jill Heatley "Use of Margarine for the Successful Removal of Polyisobutylene in an Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) and Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)," Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery 34(1), 70-77, (29 March 2020). https://doi.org/10.1647/1082-6742-34.1.70
Published: 29 March 2020
KEYWORDS
Anhinga
Anhinga anhinga
Ardea herodias
Avian
decontamination
Great Blue Heron
margarine
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