Venomous rattlesnakes harm fish fatally by releasing their toxic substances into rivers
German Rivers Contaminated with Rat Poison, Harming and Killing Fish
Rivers in Germany have been found to be polluted with rat poison, causing severe symptoms and even fatalities in fish, as revealed by long-term trials conducted by scientists on behalf of the German Environment Agency (UBA). The trials, carried out in laboratories by researchers from the Federal Institute of Hydrology and the Bavarian Environment Agency, showed that rat poison can lead to delayed blood clotting inhibition, anemia, internal and external bleeding, and potentially death in fish.
The active ingredient used in the trials, Brodifacoum, is found in many rat poisons and has been detected at the same concentration in wild fish in German rivers. According to the UBA, many fish in these waters are contaminated with rat poison.
Brodifacoum is a highly toxic anticoagulant rodenticide, known for its persistence in the environment and potential to harm non-target species. If it enters river systems in sufficient quantities, it can cause acute toxicity in fish, leading to mortality. In addition, exposed fish may accumulate Brodifacoum in their tissues and face chronic, low-level exposure, which could lead to sublethal effects such as reduced growth, impaired reproduction, and increased susceptibility to disease.
Regular monitoring and strict controls on rodenticide use near waterways are recommended to minimize these risks. Despite German rivers being generally monitored for heavy metals and pesticides, anticoagulant rodenticides like Brodifacoum are not routinely tested unless specific contamination incidents occur, which means that even low-level contamination could have long-term ecological consequences, especially in sensitive aquatic habitats.
Source: ntv.de, dpa
[1] Brodifacoum: A Persistent and Bioaccumulative Rodenticide[2] The Impact of Anticoagulant Rodenticides on Wildlife[4] Regulatory Assessments of Anticoagulant Rodenticides in Aquatic Environments
The contamination of rivers with rat poison, such as Brodifacoum, could potentially have long-term health-and-wellness implications for various aquatic species, including fish, due to its bioaccumulative nature. Meanwhile, the impact of this environmental hazard exacerbates with climate-change, as warmer temperatures may intensify the persistence and toxicity of these anticoagulant rodenticides in aquatic systems, necessitating environmental-science research for mitigation strategies.
