Intentional poisoning of animals in southeastern Spain: a review of the veterinary toxicology service from Murcia, Spain

Abstract

Data of toxicological analyses carried out over a 10-y period for suspected cases of wild and domestic animal poisonings are summarized. Of the 123 cases suspected as deliberate, 102 were be analyzed and 50 of them were positive to intentional poisoning, a total of 107 dead animals. Pesticides, especially insecticides (72%) and rodenticides (26%), were frequently involved. Aldicarb (n=15), anticoagulant rodenticides (n=8) and strychnine (n=4) were the most common toxins in baits prepared for intentional poisonings; carbofuran, methomyl, endosulfan and paraquat were also used. A coordinated Veterinary Toxicology Services network of collaboration should be set up in Spain to improve the quality of the services provided.