Possible cantharidin poisoning of a great bustard (Otis tarda)

Abstract

A possible cantharidin intoxication of a great bustard (Otis tarda) was described. This wild bird died by a traumatism, but also presented diarrhoea, congestion of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys and had ingested several blister beetles of the species Berberomeloe majalis. The analysis of the stomach content by GC-MS revealed the presence of cantharidin at a concentration of 1.37 μg/g of wet weight, a similar level than in other birds poisoned in captivity.