Behavioral-Physiological Effects of Red Phosphorus Smoke Inhalation on Two Wildlife Species

Effects of red phosphorusbutyl rubber RPBR smoke on 2 wildlife species, prairie dogs and rock doves, were evaluated in laboratory range-finding experiments. Prairie dog groups showed no mortality within 30 days post exposure to 0.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 mgl target concentrations of the smoke over 1 to 4, 80-min sessions. Rock doves exposed in groups to 0.0, 3.0, or 6.0 mg1 target concentrations over 1 to 4 sessions, however, showed 26 percent mortality within 8 days post exposure. Male rock doves were much more vulnerable to RPBR smoke effects with 42 percent mortality in lost vocalization capability in both species, abnormal body postures in rock doves, and increased respiratory congestion in prairie dogs post exposure. Body weight losses were severe and protracted in male rock doves. The 6.0 mgl groups did not recover their losses in mean body weight during the 28-day observation period. Prairie dogs showed a 1-day body weight loss and complete recovery to pre-exposure levels within 3 days post exposure. Both species showed significantly elevated water consumption levels in Days 10 through 28 after exposure. This measure was also directly affected by smoke concentration and number of exposure sessions. Neither species showed strong, consistent effects in gross necropsy and histopathology assessments. Only a few rock doves exposed to the 6.0 mgl level of smoke were there signs of excess mucus or exudate in the nasal passages and larynges.