Evaluation of the Effect of Pb Pollution on Avian Influenza Virus-Specific Antibody Production in Black-Headed Gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

Lead (Pb), an environmental pollutant, has been widely reported to have contaminated mammals, including humans and birds. This study focuses on the effects of Pb pollution avian influenza virus (AIV) antibody production. A total 170 black-headed gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) were captured in Tokyo Bay (TBP) from January 2019 April 2020 Mikawa (MBP) November 2021. The weighed, subjected blood sampling, released with a ring band their tarsus. samples used measure levels (BLL) AIV-specific antibodies. BLL compared using Wilcoxon two-sample test between period when arrived wintering period, defined by number counted each area. significant increase was found TBP. decrease significantly increased titer during TBP MBP. had negative effect production AIV These findings suggest that wild birds environment may facilitate spread zoonotic diseases, further increasing possibility pollutants threaten human health.