Currently the level of lead poisoning mortalities in waterfowl of the United States is not known. Some birds do die as a result of the ingestion of lead shot. The incidence of ingested shot in California pintails (Anas acuta) and mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) does not indicate a hazardous situation. Analysis of the wing bones and gizzards of ducks is being done but is not completed. The results should give a correlation that can be used to assess the magnitude of the problem. Once the actual impact of lead shot on the waterfowl has been identified the problem still must be solved by some type of management change. Possible changes may involve the type of shot used but other possibilities exist such as change in the types of seed plants cultivated for waterfowl foods, change the water management of the affected marshes, add grit sources in areas that are grit deficient or cultivate the soils to help work the shot deeper into the soil.
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