Birds may be exposed to toxins through various sources in their everyday environment.
Toxicity may occur through inhalation or oral or dermal exposures. Clinicians diagnose
and treat these toxicities in an effort to correct the disease of the individual patient.
Recognition of toxicity in the avian patient has further significance as it relates
to the patient's environment, including the health of other animals, humans, and the
ecosystem. While some toxicities, such as lead and zinc toxicosis, are well-documented
in avian species, others are limited to anecdotal reports and extrapolation from other
species. Continued research is needed in this area of avian medicine to expand our
knowledge and improve our ability to diagnose and treat toxic conditions in birds.
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