Abstract:
Reports were received that Cape spurfowl (Pternistis capensis) fell during flight and scrambled
uncoordinatedly for cover and some died. Three carcases were submitted for necropsy
examination, which revealed mainly congestion of the carcases and haemorrhages. Common
causes of acute mortalities in birds were first excluded, but there was a history of possible
exposure to imidacloprid-treated barley seeds. Imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide, is
used to protect various crops against invertebrate pests. The combined crop contents and
pooled liver samples collected from the Cape spurfowl during necropsy were submitted for
liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) for imidacloprid
analysis. Imidacloprid and several of its metabolites were detected in the samples. Farmers
should cover sown seeds with a layer of soil and remove any spilled seeds, as granivorous
birds are susceptible to imidacloprid intoxication. Regulatory authorities should re-evaluate
the risk posed by imidacloprid-treated seeds for pollinators and granivorous birds.
