Neonicotinoids found in wild turkeys

Neonicotinoids are some of the most widely used agricultural insecticides, and are recognized for the unintended risk they may pose to other wildlife. While the majority of this research has focused on bees when they are exposed to contaminated pollen from neonic treated crops, a new study published in Environmental Science and Pollution Research has found that neonicotinoids may also have an effect on larger wildlife. Researchers in Ontario sought to understand the extent to which animals that may eat neonicotinoid coated seeds were being exposed. Using liver samples, researchers assessed 40 wild turkeys for exposure to neonicotinoids and other pesticides. Almost one quarter of the wild turkeys had detectable levels of neonicotinoid residues including clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and fuberidazole. More research is critical for understanding the unintended effects of pesticide exposure on wildlife.