Characterisation of health status parameters in roe deer from highly polluted areas (cadmium, lead, organochlorines) compared with areas of low pollution

The objective of this study was to examine whether a high heavy metal conta mination (Cd, Pb) as well as a high contamination with organochlorine compo unds (PCB) in selected individuals induces changes in specified health stat us parameters (immune status exposure to different viruses) in free-living deer. Therefore, extremely polluted regions (Bitterfeld (B) and Harz (H)) w ere compared with regions of very low pollution levels (Mecklenburg-Vorpomm ern (MVP) and Schleswig-Holstein (SH)). Free-living species with small home ranges such as roe deer are particularly suitable bio-indicators. Their re sidue concentration reflect the local contamination of their food and water supply, as well as the range of accumulation of persistent contaminants wi thin the food chain. Overall a positive association between polluted regions and an above averag e cadmium level could be detected in all age groups. Regarding lead contami nation significant differences were only found between roe deer in the Harz compared to roe deer in SH, MVP, and B. Only low concentrations of organoc hlorine compounds were detected. Regional differences were present regarding unspecific immunological parame ters. Nevertheless, these differences were independent of Cd contamination. Furthermore, this study show that the specific immune response against dif ferent viral agents is probably not influenced by an increased contaminatio n with Cd. This is consistent with previous studies describe in the literat ure. In conclusion, Cd contaminated roe deer have not been found to have a reduc ed health condition considering the afore mentioned parameters. A possible explanation could be that the life span of roe deer is usually too short fo r heavy metal contamination to induce a distinct chronic effect on these he alth status parameters.