The Monterey County wild pigs were recently found to have blue muscle and fat, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of difacinone, an anticoagulant producer in the abdomen that exhibits blue tissue in the stomach and liver of one pig. The study was led by the CDFW Wildlife Health Lab in Davis and the California Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety in Davis after wildlife trappers reported rare coloring in March.
Rodents are designed to kill rodents, but by eating directly consumed or exposed animals, they can also harm other animals.
These poisons often contain dyes of toxic colours. However, blue is not always visible in contaminated meat.
“Hunters should be aware that the meat of game animals, such as wild pigs, deer, bears, and geese, can be contaminated if the game animal is exposed to rodents,” said Dr. Ryan Boulevard, pesticide research coordinator at CDFW. “Rodent exposure can be a concern for non-target wildlife in areas where applications occur near wildlife habitats.”
CDFW advises hunters not to eat some of the gaming animals with blue fat or muscle, or show any other unusual signs. Suspicious cases should be reported to whlab@wildlife.ca.gov or to Wildlife Health Lab at CDFW at (916) 358-2790.
Pesticide applicators are urged to take special care to prevent exposure to wildlife. This includes checking wildlife in treatment areas, using appropriate bait stations, and examining alternative pest control methods.
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