The effects of oil on Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos)

Little is known about the long-term survivability of wildlife that endure a nd survive oiling from spills. The purpose of this study was to determine i f permanent damage to liver and kidney functions occurs over time in such a nimals. Twenty Mallards (Anas platrhynchos) were used in this study. Ten we re oiled using Number 2 diesel, while ten un-oiled ducks were used as contr ols. All 20 were washed using standard washing and rehabilitation technique s used by licensed wildlife rehabilitators. All the ducks in this study wer e then monitored and tested for aspartate aminotransferase [serum glutamate -oxaloacetate transaminase] AST (SGOT) and uric acid levels for one year. R esults indicate that after six months, no permanent liver or kidney damage occurred due to oiling.