Abstract:
Lead toxicosis remains a concern in raptors, especially following feeding on carcasses sourced from hunting.
Rapid diagnosis of lead exposure and easy field monitoring is desirable. The LeadCareII analytical system,
validated for rapid diagnoses of lead toxicity in humans, has been described as a useful evaluation system in
various species. For this study we attempt to validate the LeadCareII system in the Cape Vulture (CV) (Gyps
coprotheres). Blood samples from CV housed under captive conditions and low background lead exposure, were
pooled and spiked with known concentrations of a lead standard (0–60 µg/dL). Samples were analyzed by the
LeadCareII system and by ICP-MS. The final results showed that despite good linearity the LeadCareII system
underestimated lead concentrations by up to 50 %. While the results can be corrected by the derived equation,
this is not supported due to the large underestimations evident. The reason for the underestimation is presently
unknown.
