# Suspected Permethrin-Containing Powder Bath Poisoning in a Flock of Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus)

## TL;DR

This study examines fatal permethrin poisoning in mountain quails, highlighting unusual symptoms and liver and kidney damage.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into permethrin toxicity in mountain quails, revealing atypical clinical signs and internal organ damage.

## Key findings

- Suspected permethrin poisoning led to non-specific symptoms like reduced activity and ruffled feathers in mountain quails.
- Histopathological analysis showed liver and kidney degeneration in affected birds.
- No specific antidote exists for permethrin poisoning; treatment is limited to supportive care.

## Abstract

The prevention or treatment of external parasites is very important to maintain the health of livestock and can reduce the potential for economic loss. However, antiparasitic drugs, such as pyrethroids, can enter the body and induce poisoning. This study investigated the symptoms and pathological changes in permethrin poisoning in mountain quails, in order to improve understanding of the process and guide medical treatment.

Generally, birds are less sensitive to pyrethrins and pyrethroids compared to mammals; however, suspected permethrin toxicosis was fatal in seven mountain quails (Oreortyx pictus) treated with a permethrin-containing powder bath. Signs started appearing 3 days after the bath was placed in their enclosure and were non-specific with reduced activity and ruffled feathers. Unusually, the characteristic signs of permethrin poisoning were not observed, and infective causes of the birds’ clinical signs were ruled out. A histopathological evaluation, however, revealed the malfunctioning of the liver and kidneys; the liver appeared mottled and degenerated, while the kidneys were enlarged and marbled, showing signs of degeneration. Furthermore, characteristic changes were found in the hematological analysis. Specific therapy and antidotes to pyrethrin are not available; the treatment is only supportive, including hepatoprotective agents and vitamin therapy.